Tranny linkage issue...

[Dustmaker65]

Here is a run down of what I have and what I have done. I have a 70 SWB chevy with a 350/350 combo. Truck came from factory as a V8/3 on tree. Replaced steering column with old wore out GMC auto column.Removed all shift linkage from manual trans and Installed a new auto tranny linkage. At this point, I can drive truck.

I hunt down a new gauge cluster, rebuilt auto steering column, brake pedal only bracket and power brake assembly. After installing new brake pedal assembly and all of the power brake pieces, I install the new column....

Now my tranny linkage is about 2 inches short! Removed new column and compared to old one...they are exact! Dimple in same place, shifter arm is same...

And yes, tranny shifts very easily with rod and not stuck in any position. I can easily shift thru all positions.

Any suggestions are very welcome!!!

[LockDoc]

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There are at least two different rods, maybe three if you count the PG rod and a couple of different frame brackets/bellcranks. I would say you have a wrong part installed somewhere. The TH400 shift rods are straight and the TH350 shift rods have a bend in them.

LockDoc

[Dustmaker65]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

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There are at least two different rods, maybe three if you count the PG rod and a couple of different frame brackets/bellcranks. I would say you have a wrong part installed somewhere. The TH400 shift rods are straight and the TH350 shift rods have a bend in them.

LockDoc

LockDoc, you happen to have a 350 one? Mine is straight and measures 22".

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by Dustmaker65

LockDoc, you happen to have a 350 one? Mine is straight and measures 22".

I thought I posted pictures of them on here but I can't find it. I will see if I have them on my computer somewhere. It's raining here so I really don't want to trek out to the barn to take pictures right now.

LockDoc

[Dustmaker65]

Anyone have pics of the different shifting rods?

[70STOVEBOLT]

When I swapped my 3OTT for a TH400, the rod that came with the trans, which was behind a 327, was too short to reach my column. I had a 250 straight six at the time. Now I have the same TH400 behind a 402 and I used the rod from the 327 and it was the right length. I cannot tell you about a TH350 or a PG though.

[Dustmaker65]

Thanks for the replies guys! Here is what I came up with as a quick and easy fix.

This is the stock shift linkage rod for a 400. I still have no idea what a stock rod for a 350 looks like???



This is the parts I bought to make mine with.



Threaded rod for heim joint.



Threaded stop nut on, then heim joint.



Then put shoulder bolt, washer and lock nut on transmission linkage. Ran rod up to column shift lever and adjusted so everything lines up!

That was about as easy as can be!

[cleszkie]

Someone correct me if I am wrong, but the rod length can also vary between a TH350 in a 2 wheel drive truck and a 4 wheel drive truck because the engine and tranny is a few inches farther back on 4 wheel drive models.