Column shift lever bushings, 1970 c10

[michaeltjames]

Just bought a 1970 C10 (will update with some pics). I don't have the time/money/expertise for a full rebuild like most of you guys seem to be in to, just mainly interested in keeping it a reliably functioning daily driver.

The first issue I need to tackle is the 3 on the tree shifter. It has tons of slop, most likely due to the total lack of bushings at the column end of the shifter linkage. Trying to find a replacement has been difficult, just thought someone here might be able to point me in the right direction. I found this http://www.classicchevy.com/chevy-sh...roduct_Related but it's listed for 55-57 chevy, will it work on my truck?
Also found this http://www.classicparts.com/1947-76-...ctinfo/91-062/ which is listed for the right model year but doesn't appear to have the metal sleeve inside the grommet. Any suggestions?

[blkcorvair]

The classic parts ones are right. You need to re-use the metal sleeve. Also there is a really good faq on here on just how to set the proper adjustment. Its not too hard when you know how. But without those bushings it would be a waste of time.
If I recall it also use a bushing on the trans end of that linkage. Might want to check those too. Cant remember if they were the same top and bottom or not.

Welcome to the forums!

[michaeltjames]

Thanks blk, I'm pretty sure the lower bushings are shot too. Fairly surprised it shifts at all. And yeah that faq on adjusting the shifting mechanism was one of the first things I found, very helpful and it looks pretty simple. Got the day off work tomorrow so maybe it'll be warm enough to start tearing in to it. I'll be sure to post some pics. Thanks agin.

[oldblue1968chevy]

I used to have the P/N for new shifter bushings (they were cheap when I did mine) so just do all 4.

[michaeltjames]

So they are the same at the trans levers as at the column?
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[oldblue1968chevy]

No, there different I know that. The numbers are on old computer. Let me hunt and see if i can fid them, Only like $2 each x4

[oldblue1968chevy]

http://www.classicparts.com/1960-76-...ctinfo/91-063/
http://www.classicparts.com/1947-76-...ctinfo/91-062/

you need 2 of each (upper/lower)

[michaeltjames]

Thanks so much for the help, guys. Really glad to be a part of this great forum, maybe someday I'll be able to contribute something useful Got the bushings ordered, here's the pics as promised. The last is of the drivers side rear control arm.. a bit worrisome. Could a plate of steel be welded in to reinforce this, or should it just be replaced outright?

[blkcorvair]

Yikes! Id say become a subscribing member and post a wanted ad over in the classifides. There are so many trucks here getting slammed, that alot of folks take those trailing arms out. You may get a good one cheap. Ive seen repos but dont remember the cost, Id be afraid to keep that one tho.

[blkcorvair]

These are out by me. Maybe you can see if he can ship em. Theyve been on CL for a while...

http://newyork.craigslist.org/que/pts/2769140611.html

[michaeltjames]

just a quick update on this and a couple q's. Got the upper bushings in no problem, then got to the transmission arms.. and each takes TWO bushings. I only got enough to do one. And forgot the spring clips. Doh.

But here's what I'm wondering... It almost seems like there should be some kind of washer between the grommet and clip. Or is the shape of the clip designed to equally distribute load across the grommet surface? Just doesn't seem like a very snug connection. Also, one side of the shifter levers has a lip around the opening that doesn't seem to mesh with the grommet almost as if there should be a washer on that side too. I guess what I need is a factory parts diagram of this, which I can only seem to find for the auto trans. Is this found in the service manual? I meant to order one and forgot. Thanks again guys.

[kitsbeach]

Originally Posted by michaeltjames

just a quick update on this and a couple q's. Got the upper bushings in no problem, then got to the transmission arms.. and each takes TWO bushings. I only got enough to do one. And forgot the spring clips. Doh.

I'm just reinstalling three on the tree in my truck and I think this is the link to the transmission arm clips for others who are looking (took me a while to find):

http://www.classicparts.com/1960-72-.../#.U7wTW41dW2N

[quick60]

Glad i stumbled upon this thread. I recently had my column partially apart to try and free up the shifter and i did not see any bushings like that in there. Mine had hard plastic bushing that the collar where the chifter lever attaches rides on. Can someone point out where the bushings oldblue68 suggested go/should be?

Thanks I will be watching your progress to see how it goes, good luck.

[kitsbeach]

Originally Posted by quick60

Glad i stumbled upon this thread. I recently had my column partially apart to try and free up the shifter and i did not see any bushings like that in there. Mine had hard plastic bushing that the collar where the chifter lever attaches rides on. Can someone point out where the bushings oldblue68 suggested go/should be?

Thanks I will be watching your progress to see how it goes, good luck.

We are talking about the shift linkage bushings but they are not inside the column. The rubber ones are under the hood attached to the column shift and the hard ones are on the transmission where the shift arms attach.

Are you talking about inside the column.?

[quick60]

Yes. I took my steering wheel off. Removed the turn signal internals. The sleeve that the shift handle attaches to slides off the column and there are plastic bushings in there that look worn a little on mine. Sometimes it shifts perfect other times it jams up but I can tell it is inside that area and not on the trans. Thats the bushings Im looking for but I do need the ones you are referring to as well. Thanks for posting it.

[Chris04]

Originally Posted by quick60

Yes. I took my steering wheel off. Removed the turn signal internals. The sleeve that the shift handle attaches to slides off the column and there are plastic bushings in there that look worn a little on mine. Sometimes it shifts perfect other times it jams up but I can tell it is inside that area and not on the trans. Thats the bushings Im looking for but I do need the ones you are referring to as well. Thanks for posting it.

I'm having the same problem mine sometimes Jams and won't go into 2nd gear or go back to first. The sleeve is also very loose. So I'm interested in the info as well, thanks

[kitsbeach]

There is a good thread about how to adjust three on the tree shifters here:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=215307

[kitsbeach]

I've got a couple of pictures out of the shop manual. Kind of hard to see but it looks like only one trans arm grommet and one clip at the tranny end of the shifter rods.

Third shot is the back-up switch just in case people are interested.

[70cst]

Hey michaeltjames ...

to the forums and from Ohio.

70 C10's rock and luv your truck

[dads72gmc]

Does anyone have pics of the 3 speed linkage going up to the column from underneath? More angles the better. I'm reinstalling the column shifter from a floor shifter with parts I've salvaged because I inadvertently tossed the old parts years ago. Any help would be really appreciated