I got a 70 model column from 'JalopytoGo' here locally & put it in my 68 hoping it would solve my shifting problems. Well, it didn't. So . . ..... the trans got a closer look & I discovered the rear output shaft bearings were all but gone.
What to do?? I got the matching trans to that 70 model column! But then, after putting them side by side I realized the newer trans was 6" longer. Hhmmmm..... "Uh, Jeff..... would you by any chance have that driveshaft to go w/the trans.... that goes w/the column?"
Ok. I figure all my bases are covered. Column, trans, d.shaft. I go to swapping in the new trans & get everything hooked up & start on the linkage.
Have you figured out my pattern yet? Can you predict what came next? Yep. The linkage wouldn't work. Seems the tranny case dimension changes required different column-to-trans shift arms
.
So . . ..... yet another call to my now best friend in the world
Jeff & I had an extra set of arms to get everything hooked up.
Turns out only 1 of the arms actually is longer, the others were identical.
I adjust everything per the manual
(this newer column even had the small 3/16" alignment holes in the linkage @ the column base) & was able to go around the block several times w/only having the trans come out of 2nd gear twice. I adjust the linkage to better engage 2nd, take it around the block a couple more times & it seems all is well. . . .....
until I head home.
The trans kept hanging in 3rd & required the linkage to be removed to un-jam the arms @ the trans side cover. After f%#king w/it the rest of the afternoon
(and putting the adjustment back to where I originally set it ), I ran out of light & patience.
So, Monday I left work early & bought a cheap MrGasket universal truck floor shifter
(it was the only thing I could get locally). I got it put in & whew-hoo . . ..... it works like it supposed to.
Since the wiring was different from the newer column (vs. my 68 column) I went ahead & put my old column back in & cleaned up some of the old crusty wiring that connects the column to the dash harness.
I'm happy to report that I drove it to work Tuesday AM & it was back to normal. Well . . .... except for that slipping clutch.
I guess all those 3rd gear launches when the tranny kept jamming took their toll on my clutch since it worked just fine before all this BS started. Oh well, it will work fine for now. 'ScotLuck' is the term. It seems to pop up anytime I do.....
I would like to thank 'JalopytoGo' for all his extended help w/this matter. If you local N.Tx. guys get a chance to do business w/him, you won't be disappointed. He's one heck of a nice guy.