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Old 04-14-2004, 03:51 PM   #1
bluec10
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Bought a '69 - It Won't Shift

I just bought a '69 GMC with a 250 and a 3-on-the-tree. It runs well enough to get it home, but it won't shift out of third. The gearshift won't move, although if you move the couplings under the hood they seem to move OK. Any suggestions? I want to bring it home soon.
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Old 04-14-2004, 04:33 PM   #2
Yukon Jack
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The shift linkage is probably out of alignment.

Back when I had a three speed I was always having problems and some adjustment on the linkage got it shifting again.

To adjust the three speed you will need some
sort of alignment rod, I used a nail cut to the right length. I also used a long board to keep the clutch pedal pressed in while doing the adjustments. The linkage adjustment is made under the hood on the steering column shaft. What you want to do is loosen up the nuts that tighten the guides on the shifting linkage. Get the tranny into neutral, which will have the two guides in line with each other. The guides have a small hole in them and there
is also a raised notch on top of the steering column. Lay the nail on the notch and then move the guides until the nail slides through each guide. Then what I did was moved the linkage rods up and down to see how they cycle through the gears and then get back into neutral. Then I tightened the nuts so the guide is secure. Remove the alignment rod, ie the nail, and then cycle the tranny with the shift column in the cab. I had to do a little fine tuning to get the linkage right but it took all of 10 minutes once I figured out what I was doing.
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Old 04-14-2004, 05:26 PM   #3
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I had a '65 do something similar once. The moving parts of the shifter were stuck on the inside of the steering column. I just sprayed some lube down inside the column (after removing the steering wheel) and started to work it loose. Never had another issue. It may turn out to be the linkage like Yukon Jack mentioned, but if it is not you might try this.
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Old 04-14-2004, 06:12 PM   #4
cdowns
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i'd say the most common cause of shifter jamming up is the body mounts sagging either from rust or the rubber deteration
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Old 04-15-2004, 03:59 PM   #5
bluec10
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Thanks for the help guys.

The truck has been sitting for quite a while so I wouldn't be surprized if the parts inside of the steering column were dried out.

The nail idea is helpful.

The rear cab mounts are rusty, which may contribute as cdowns mentioned.

Replies like these are why I love the board!
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Present:
2015 Tacoma. Yeah, not a GM, but I love it.
1969 GMC 32,000 - fix, drive, relax, fix...
2019 BMW R1250 GSA - Yahoooooooo
1979 Honda GL 1000 - retro touring at its best.

Past:
'05 Sierra 4x4 - Had 270,000 KM and running well when it was written-off by a stop sign runner.
'94 F-150 from the "F word" company. I'll admit it...good truck. Sold what was left of it for $800 to a guy who came to pick it up at 11:00 PM with cash in hand. Hmm.
'79 Sierra Grande (Black) organ donor - perfect rebuildable 4-bolt 350 and a good TH350.
'76 Sierra Grande (Orange) - hate isn't too strong a word. Kid who bought it turned it into a hot rod.
'68 C-10 R.I.P. - Dad's old truck...too far gone to resurrect.
'59 C-50 - with hoist. Truck is gone, wife isn't. Nuff said.
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Old 04-15-2004, 04:19 PM   #6
diggin69
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Might want to check the bushings to see if they are even their or not.....they are were the linkege goes on to the colomn just a thought they get in a bind sometimes & will hang up....
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Old 04-15-2004, 04:47 PM   #7
DennyB
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Thats also probably a saginaw gear box.
heres another possible cause...
Sometimes when the shift linkage is worn it will jamb the levers on the trans.
ie: try to move one before the other is disengaged.
Set the e-break, slide under the truck and try to manually move the trans levers into netural.
I had this problem from time to time with my 71.
If this helps then shift nice and slow till all the bushings are repaired.
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