Linkage question:

[ChevyDude]

I need some more help: My engine 350 V8 is now in and I've now got the new ARP flexplate bolts and torque converter bolts. Monster Motorsports
700R4 tranny goes in today, tomorrow or the next day soon as I have time and got me thinking I don't have any linkage. Somehow I was thinking of Lokar cable linkage...maybe from Summit: http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

I have a stock truck tilt column and haven't measured yet if it's 2" or 2.25"???

Is this a good plan or is there something better out there, thanks guys!

Alex

[Oldtruckfanatic]

That cable setup looks nice and have put them it before. Lokar also makes a rod linkage kit that hooks up like factory linkage they come in two lengths and are set up so you can choose the length closest to what you need and cut it to fit from there. It then hooks up the the arm on the steering column and the arm on the transmission (A nice aluminum adjustable transmission arm is in the kit, It's slotted so you can adjust the throw to make the detents on the transmission and the indicator on the column line up correctly.) I buy them from the summit here too. Either way works great just another choice to look at.

[ChevyDude]

Thanks for responding oldtruckfanatic! Is this the set-up you are talking about? I don't see the two lengths?

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

[Oldtruckfanatic]

Yep thats the kit. They used to come in two lengths though but I haven't installed one in about a year maybe they found they only needed one kit.

[ChevyDude]

Cool....I have options, LOL! It would be nice to be able to line evrything up on the shift indicator...wonder if the cable one has the same capabilities???

Any opinions which one?

Alex

[Oldtruckfanatic]

The cable one i adjustable too but it's a little more complicated to use. Also it's very very important to make sure there are no tight bends in the cable at all and that it's far enough away from the exhaust. I had one about two inches from an exhaust on a bagged 37 ford because it was all the room I had and it melted the plastic liner inside the cable and siezed the cable at a car show. it was a real drag.

[ChevyDude]

Does the rod one come with all the necessary brackets? If so, I'll go that route...also only $39.00!

[Orange]

No "brackets" are needed for the rod style. Just the input shaft mount, the rod, the rod ends, and the hardware. Everything is included that you need.

I just installed it a couple of weekends ago.
I definitely see the benefit over my stock setup with it. A lot less moving parts - very rigid. You just have to make sure you get the bracket that connects to the tranny input shaft on at the correct angle so that your rod doesn't bind when shifting. A little tinkering and you'll get it.

I hoped that this would solve my loose column shifter problems - and it did to an extent - but my column shifter must be worn inside the column itself. I line up on park now - but nowhere else. My reverse lights come on somewhere between P and N. Perhaps a new column would resolve all of this.

The linkage is very nice though. Just take your time mocking up.
You will have to do a slight "S" bend in it for our trucks (thinking that the 700R4 input is somewhat close to the TH350) and cut a few inches off.

I can try and snap a few pics this evening if you'd like.

[1-PU70]

I used that cable one and didnt like it at all. Went to the floor shifter, very happy.

[ChevyDude]

Cool dudes!!!! I'll order the Lokar rod linkage. You guys rock!

Alex

[68 short step]

Originally Posted by Orange

No "brackets" are needed for the rod style. Just the input shaft mount, the rod, the rod ends, and the hardware. Everything is included that you need.

I just installed it a couple of weekends ago.
I definitely see the benefit over my stock setup with it. A lot less moving parts - very rigid. You just have to make sure you get the bracket that connects to the tranny input shaft on at the correct angle so that your rod doesn't bind when shifting. A little tinkering and you'll get it.

I hoped that this would solve my loose column shifter problems - and it did to an extent - but my column shifter must be worn inside the column itself. I line up on park now - but nowhere else. My reverse lights come on somewhere between P and N. Perhaps a new column would resolve all of this.

The linkage is very nice though. Just take your time mocking up.
You will have to do a slight "S" bend in it for our trucks (thinking that the 700R4 input is somewhat close to the TH350) and cut a few inches off.

I can try and snap a few pics this evening if you'd like.

i would like to see a few pics of it installed

[Orange]

Originally Posted by 68 short step

i would like to see a few pics of it installed

OK, I will try my best to get them tonite.
May be tomorrow before I get them posted though.

[ChevyDude]

Super...this should be very helpful to those changing to Automatic transmissions!

Alex

[ChevyDude]

Ordered the Lokar rod linkage today along with two Dynomax Super Turbo Mufflers....getting closer! Thanks you guys for all the help!

Alex

[Orange]

Got some pics for you guys. For bandwidth's sake - here the directory - just click as you go. Remember, this is a TH350 - not 700R4...same rod kit though.

http://slickorange.com/lokar/
L1 - Where the top of the rod attached to the column.
L2 - The rod going down to the tranny.
L3 - The rod going down to the tranny (you can see the bend here).
L4 - Attached to the tranny (yes, I have a leak at my input shaft).
L5 - View back up to the column.
L6 - Looking down from behind - best overall shot I could get.

Let me know if you have any questions. I'll try to answer the best I can.

[Orange]

TTT for those of you who didn't see those pics I posted yesterday.
They are in the link there.

[ChevyDude]

Pics help, thanks Orange!!! My trans is now in and awaiting all the hook ups and crossmember positioning.