3 spd shift linkages??

['69 Gmc]

I’m in search of 3 speed on the column linkages to the trans 1970 with 307 and I’m pretty sure 7 bolt side cover saginaw. Can anyone tell if these are the links I need? Thanks
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[NewBayColony]

You need to know for sure if it is a seven bolt. They are different from the four bolt.
I'm actually looking for the same parts for a four bolt M18/19 to complete my overdrive conversion.

[weim55]

I have a pair of those for that application at the house. Unfortunately I'll be away for a couple weeks before I can take a look and post some pictures. If no one else post them first I'll get back with you as soon as I can.

Steve weim55 Colorado

[special-K]

I have a bunch of those linkage arms but I don't know what is what myself. I believe the only difference is 6cyl vs V8 and which transmission. I am thinking the 6cyl arms will be the longer ones, since the transmission sits farther back in an inline-6. I also have a 3spd transmission or two. I'd have to look to see which one. If someone could measure theirs it would help us all.

[NewBayColony]

I just tried to get a measurement on the linkage arms on my 72 c20 with a 292. I couldn't get an accurate one. What I could get is the measurement from the bellhousing to the center of the holes in the shift levers on the transmission.

On the seven bolt, when both levers are in neutral, the center of the hole in the 2nd/3rd lever is less than an inch. Also the shift arm that connects to this lever has a "J" curve at the end as it hooks around the clutch boot. The 1st/2nd lever is 6 1/2 inches from the bell housing.

On the four bolt, the center of the holes on the levers are 2 1/2 and 3 1/2 inches from the bellhousing.



If the weather warms up next week. I can take them off and measure them better.

The pictures are to show what that "J" curve looks like.

Also, I'm looking for the arms for the 4 bolt

[NewBayColony]

Originally Posted by '69 Gmc

I’m in search of 3 speed on the column linkages to the trans 1970 with 307 and I’m pretty sure 7 bolt side cover saginaw. Can anyone tell if these are the links I need? Thanks
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Looking at the EBay picture now, I think these are 4 bolt arms as neither has the "J" hook.

[NewBayColony]

Originally Posted by '69 Gmc

I’m in search of 3 speed on the column linkages to the trans 1970 with 307 and I’m pretty sure 7 bolt side cover saginaw. Can anyone tell if these are the links I need? Thanks
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69 GMC, did you ever find the linkage you were looking for? I'm gonna start looking for a set for my m18/m19 4 bolt sidecover trans now and I was wondering if you had any success.

[NewBayColony]

Better Picture of both linkage ends at transmission. (7 Bolt)

['69 Gmc]

Originally Posted by NewBayColony

69 GMC, did you ever find the linkage you were looking for? I'm gonna start looking for a set for my m18/m19 4 bolt sidecover trans now and I was wondering if you had any success.

Don’t know how I just seen this. No luck yet. I’ve accumulated 8 rods (4sets) and none work together to shift correctly.

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['69 Gmc]

This is my side cover. Btw.. what’s the thing sticking down off the 2/3 linkage hole?
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['69 Gmc]

I found a set a guy here close to me had. I seen them still on the truck. V8, and 7 bolt side cover trans. I got them and got home and they dont work for mine. Too long. They look like the ones that you posted. Even got the small linkage ends with the different indexed holes for at the transmission. I started to think maybe the 307 was supposed to be in the rear motor mount holes, but that can’t be because the bellhousing mount wouldn’t line up at the crossmember. I’m stuck and don’t know where to go from here??
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['69 Gmc]

This is the last set I got that I just knew was gonna work
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[special-K]

I can get mine out and take pictures for comparison

[NewBayColony]

I still am looking for set from a 67/68 with a light duty Muncie 4 bolt side cover. I might have to make a set.

['69 Gmc]

Originally Posted by special-K

I can get mine out and take pictures for comparison

Thanks. A couple pics pics under hood still on the truck may help. This last 1st/reverse link I got off a set up like mine hits the clutch linkage when I try it.
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[NewBayColony]

Originally Posted by '69 Gmc

This is my side cover. Btw.. what’s the thing sticking down off the 2/3 linkage hole?
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That's the transmission switch for Transmission Controlled Spark explained here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=627794 and here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=196397
Do a search in the above "Search" box to find even more links explaining it.

[weim55]

Originally Posted by '69 Gmc

I found a set a guy here close to me had. I seen them still on the truck. V8, and 7 bolt side cover trans. I got them and got home and they dont work for mine. Too long. They look like the ones that you posted. Even got the small linkage ends with the different indexed holes for at the transmission. I started to think maybe the 307 was supposed to be in the rear motor mount holes, but that can’t be because the bellhousing mount wouldn’t line up at the crossmember. I’m stuck and don’t know where to go from here??
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Sounds like the truck you purchased the linkage from was likely an original six cylinder truck that was converted to a V-8. The V8 linkage will be shorter in an original application as the engine and transmission are farther forward.

Steve weim55 Colorado

[weim55]

Originally Posted by NewBayColony

I still am looking for set from a 67/68 with a light duty Muncie 4 bolt side cover. I might have to make a set.

GM produced the four bolt Muncie through the end of the 65 model year. For 66 and later the seven bolt all synchro Saginaw 3speed became the standard unit for light trucks and passenger cars. Maybe a good chance if you find The linkage rod's from a '64 or '65 C series pick up these might work (??)

Steve weim55 Colorado

[NewBayColony]

Originally Posted by weim55

GM produced the four bolt Muncie through the end of the 65 model year. For 66 and later the seven bolt all synchro Saginaw 3speed became the standard unit for light trucks and passenger cars. Maybe a good chance if you find The linkage rod's from a '64 or '65 C series pick up these might work (??)

Steve weim55 Colorado

That's what I thought but I read where they were produced up to 68 in the trucks. I thought they were all synchro by then.

['69 Gmc]

Originally Posted by weim55

Sounds like the truck you purchased the linkage from was likely an original six cylinder truck that was converted to a V-8. The V8 linkage will be shorter in an original application as the engine and transmission are farther forward.

Steve weim55 Colorado

Definitely could be the case. But, even if converted, these linkages were in a v8 application like mine with same trans and working. The ears on the 3spd column would be in same location as mine. I’m goin to try to make a trip back to that’ truck this weekend to see why they work on it, but not mine.
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[weim55]

If the rods you are using came from a truck that originally had a six cylinder the ears for the transmission linkage Will be in a different position about 4 inches back from that of an original V-8 application. If you look at The frame on your truck you'll see another set of Bell housing crossmember holes about 4 inches behind where your current crossmember is riveted to the frame. That crossmember is different six cylinder versus V8 although they look very close to the same.

A couple things to look for on the parts truck: look to see if the distributor cap is right on the firewall, about an inch away? Yes = likely an original six cylinder truck. Look at the Vin number for the truck, if the second digit is an S = six cylinder , E = V-8.

You'll notice on your truck the distributor cap is a good 4 inches away from the firewall, Big difference.

I mentioned earlier I would try to get pictures to you of the correct linkage. I've had some health issues that have kept me away from the house for a while but is soon as I can get my eyes on it I'll get those to the thread.

Steve weim55 Colorado

[Grumpy old man]

I converted my 6 to V8 and changed the manual trans cross member to the correct V8 one that mounts further forward in the frame than the 6 cross member does . you can see the V8 is a little heavier and has a different angle to fit the frame . Just look at the engine perches to see what hole they are in .

['69 Gmc]

Gotcha. Didn’t think about the trans crossmember having a mount farther back as well. So if that’s the case and this V8 is in it, like you say it’ll be in the rear mount position in order to bolt to the bellhousing?
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[Grumpy old man]

Yep , and the 6 trans linkage should fit .

['69 Gmc]

Looking at this pic I took when I was removing the linkages, there seems to be quite a bit of room to see daylight between the bellhousing and firewall.
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