Help with auto shift linkage on tilt - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

71Subman · 01-21-2007, 03:20 PM

Can anyone explain/show me how the linkage works on a tilt column auto in a 71 suburban. I went to park mine yesterday and it won't come out of drive. I disconnected the linkage under the hood, so I know it's in the coulmn. I took the shift lever out, but I don't see how the thing works to know if I just need a new shift lever, or a column, or if there is something I need to find and hook bakc up to the shift lever. HALP!!

ghetto_superman · 01-21-2007, 10:48 PM

You may have a broken chunk of indicator or something stuck down in the linkage somewhere, never experienced it personally, but have heard of this happening... good luck!

JimKshortstep4x4 · 01-22-2007, 08:42 PM

The tilt columns are pretty simple when it comes to the shifting. The shift lever has a tang on it that engages the detent plate in the column, (the detent plate has notches in it for the shift lever to engage). When you pull back on the shift lever the tang is disengaged from the detent plate and the shift column should rotate. If it will not rotate then it is stuck on one end or the other. I would try spraying the lower end of the shift tube where it fits into the bearing retainer with a penetrant. If that does not free up the shift
tube then there may be a problem with the upper shift tube bushing and that can be a little bit of work to get to as the column would have to be disassembled.

I have never had a tilt column have this problem so if you find the fix, please let us know.

Jim

71Subman · 01-23-2007, 04:59 PM

Ghetto was right. The little metal piece, that holds the plastic indicator piece up, had worked it's way out and the indicator dropped into a place it shouldn't be. In retribution, it is now in pieces in the trash.

Thanks for the help guys.

krue · 01-23-2007, 06:06 PM

Glad it was a simple fix.

01-21-2007, 03:20 PM	#1
71Subman Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Everett, Wa Posts: 138	Help with auto shift linkage on tilt Can anyone explain/show me how the linkage works on a tilt column auto in a 71 suburban. I went to park mine yesterday and it won't come out of drive. I disconnected the linkage under the hood, so I know it's in the coulmn. I took the shift lever out, but I don't see how the thing works to know if I just need a new shift lever, or a column, or if there is something I need to find and hook bakc up to the shift lever. HALP!! __________________ Noise Makin', Gas Gusslin', Big Ass Metal Monster! 1983 3/4 4x4 P/U (the Sub is gone) 1967 Firebird (Drag racer) 1967 Firebird (resto in progress) 1999 Camry (Wifey's econo-rail ) 1997 VW Jetta (Daughter's cruiser) 1989 Le Mans (just extra for the boys to drive)

01-21-2007, 10:48 PM	#2
ghetto_superman Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 1,982	Re: Help with auto shift linkage on tilt You may have a broken chunk of indicator or something stuck down in the linkage somewhere, never experienced it personally, but have heard of this happening... good luck! __________________ -1947 3100 -1968 C10 -1970 K20

01-22-2007, 08:42 PM	#3
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	Re: Help with auto shift linkage on tilt The tilt columns are pretty simple when it comes to the shifting. The shift lever has a tang on it that engages the detent plate in the column, (the detent plate has notches in it for the shift lever to engage). When you pull back on the shift lever the tang is disengaged from the detent plate and the shift column should rotate. If it will not rotate then it is stuck on one end or the other. I would try spraying the lower end of the shift tube where it fits into the bearing retainer with a penetrant. If that does not free up the shift tube then there may be a problem with the upper shift tube bushing and that can be a little bit of work to get to as the column would have to be disassembled. I have never had a tilt column have this problem so if you find the fix, please let us know. Jim

01-23-2007, 04:59 PM	#4
71Subman Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Everett, Wa Posts: 138	Re: Help with auto shift linkage on tilt Ghetto was right. The little metal piece, that holds the plastic indicator piece up, had worked it's way out and the indicator dropped into a place it shouldn't be. In retribution, it is now in pieces in the trash. Thanks for the help guys. __________________ Noise Makin', Gas Gusslin', Big Ass Metal Monster! 1983 3/4 4x4 P/U (the Sub is gone) 1967 Firebird (Drag racer) 1967 Firebird (resto in progress) 1999 Camry (Wifey's econo-rail ) 1997 VW Jetta (Daughter's cruiser) 1989 Le Mans (just extra for the boys to drive)

01-23-2007, 06:06 PM	#5
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,448	Re: Help with auto shift linkage on tilt Glad it was a simple fix. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"



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