Shift linkage headaches!

[aod92]

I did an ls swap and I dropped my column into the dash. As you can see in the pic for me to install my shift linkage I would have to add at least a 5 inch spacer and bolt! I'm trying to avoid that because I think it would look like crap. Any other ideas that you guys could think of? I've been messing with this for a few hours and I've hit a road block. I don't really want to go the cable route either but if that's my last resort I will. Btw this is with a turbo 350 Trans. Thanks!

[davepl]

That's a tough one. I wonder if you could run a floor shift cable from like a console-equipped Camaro up the inside of the frame and then have the column tab work that? With the other end on the trans, of course. That's about my best suggestion, and it's not great.

[aod92]

Originally Posted by davepl

That's a tough one. I wonder if you could run a floor shift cable from like a console-equipped Camaro up the inside of the frame and then have the column tab work that? With the other end on the trans, of course. That's about my best suggestion, and it's not great.

Lokar makes a cable for our trucks. I'm just trying to avoid that route.

[aod92]

This is what I came up with. Do you guys think this looks ok, or does it look like a hack job lol??

[lutronjim]

I once put a 283 in a 49 chevy car and had same problem. I shortened the arm from the column to miss the manifold and drilled a new hold on the arm on the tranny to match the length on the column. This was a 3 on tree so I had to do both arms. Worked great.

I think the torque on your approach would be short lived.

[BigMike]

I don't think it looks like a hack job, just concerned as to how long it will hold up as lutronjim stated. Aside from tearing the column a part and shortening everything I think the Lokar cable route would be the way to go. The only other option I can think of is a floor mount shifter, which Lokar makes some pretty nice products. It's going to be a tough decision if you're set on the column shift.

[Boog]

The most concern I see is say if you parked on an incline. You know how hard you sometimes have to pull on the shift lever to pull it out of park on that incline? Would this standoff setup hold up to that without bending? And if it did bend would it fully engage park after that? I wouldn't be comfortable with it. A floor shift or different exhaust routing would be a better solution I think.

[aod92]

It actually shifts with ease right now. I didn't think about being parked on a hill. I think I'll leave it for now, and see how it holds up. Thanks for your input guys.

[midniteblues]

i feel for ya sometimes you think you got everything worked out and ONE thing throws ya a curve ball and ruins your day or week.

the standoff doesnt look too bad i would make double sure your long bolt dosent come loose as any movement will be multiplied with the length.

i personally dont like doing things like this but i have and ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

too bad your colum isnt shorter

['68 Newtricks]

Wow, how far did u sink the column? I thought 3" was about max for the cone at the top to hit the bezel. Hmm maybe cause I'm running manifolds that I didn't have a problem.

[Andy4639]

Parking on a hill and pulling it out of park is because the emergency brakes where not applied when parked. If you use the e brake it shouldn't be any worse than on level ground.

This statement is not to be mean but info. Have you ever looked at the park paw on a transmission? It's the smallest part in it and it is the most important part when it want hold.