Auto Column Question

[drman929]

On my '72 GMC, The shifter will move at all times, but it doesn't necessarily move smooth. It clanks and bangs and doesn't sound like it should move...and this is with the engine and key off. There is also alot of play in the shifter. Is there supposed to be a lock on the shifter? I should add that it is very sloppy...it will go down into whatever gear you want it to fine, but when you bring the shifter back up, you have to go up one slot above your desired gear for it to kick in. Example--I'm in 1st gear, and want to be in 2nd. I have to move it to D then it will go into 2nd and the shifter will fall back down to 2nd.

I'm just wondering what's happening? TIA

[dave2953]

Have you checked the linkage? Could be loose or binding.

[O'l Buck]

sounds like a linkage issue, mine has a similar problem...you have to watch it in the bumps or it will drop to 2nd.

[Longhorn Man]

it's the typical junk shifters in these trucks.
Even rebuilt, they are still pretty pathetic.
We were rebuilding Frito Lay P/30 trucks for a couple years, and we stopped rebuilding the junk style ones (like the non- tilt in these trucks) and started installing van tilts. We had almost no come backs with the van tilt units... unlike the straight columns, which almost always came back.

[GREASEMONKEY72]

mine moves with the key off to and you can hear it moving into each gear, just FYI

[Longhorn Man]

they didn't have shifter locks untill they went to the ignition switch in the colum, and locking steering wheel, which was 73.

[drman929]

Thats what I was wondering. Thanks!

I guess I need to go through the column anyway. It isn't in the best of shape...