Auto trans linkage sloppy

[crustysarge]

I have a 72 Chevy Cheyenne with an auto and column shift. The linkage is crappy, I have to hold the shift lever upwards to start the truck and the shifter basically just drops into reverse if you touch it. I took off the shift rod and replaced the rubber bushings and it helped but not much.

With the linkage rod disconnected and removed, the tranny still drops into reverse if you touch it at the tranny by the pan. Is there an adjustment internal or external?

[robby]

I had a similar problem with mt 70 C10 I had. I think the problem was the detent near the firewall. If you look you can see it. Maybe it could be filed or the spring barcket moved to tighten it. Maybe someone can tell us for sure.

[Tx Firefighter]

With it disconnected you should be able to drop it into reverse with your hand easily, but when you say "touch" it, you make it seem like the trans linkage doesn't have positive clicks into each gear.

As you turn the linkage by hand, you should feel a distinct click as it clicks each gear.

Also, on these old trucks, I weld up the holes in the linkage and redrill new ones to remove all slop. Also, the pin that the linkage pivots on usually is worn real bad, so I replace it with a new piece of 1/4" rod welded to the frame bracket. All of these things make the truck shift like new again with zero linkage slop.