Incorrect Column Shift Operation

[jojo]

My automatic column shift lever doesn't need to be pulled towards me when I switch into gear.

I can just grab the lever and move it into gear without pulling back.

This isn't the correct operation is it?

Is there supposed to be a spring in the steering column? Or is it the shift linkage under the hood?

[GMC406]

I have the same issue, has been concering me a little, It looks as if there is a notched piece of metal on the colum in the engine bay but cant see how it would be adjusted and am to afraid of messing with it and making it worse...I will be watching this one.

[mr48chev]

My scanner isn't wanting to work so I had to get the camera out.




The text that goes with the drawing reads.

Automatic Transmission
1. Place the shift tube lever in "neutral" or "drive".
2. Loosen ajusting ring clamp screws an rotate the shift tube adjusting tube to obtain .33" to .36" (That may be .033 to .036) Clearance between the shift tube lever and the adjusting ring.
3. Tighten the adjusting ring clamp screws to 70 inch lbs.

That's straight out of my 71 GMC factory service manual but as I said above I think the .33 is probably wrong and it is .033 but I'll check that on mine tomorrow.

[KevsClassics]

Every non tilt column that I came across with that problem was sticky from old grease dirt & heat. If customer just wanted quick fix with out disassembly I sprayed area in above illustration with penetrating oil. This works every time. It should not need adjustment unles it has already moved.

[jojo]

Thanks guys,

Since I already have the column pulled, I'm not far from just disassembling it and cleaning everything out. So I'll try that.

It looks like I'll be purchasing some turn signal stuff too since some of that plastic was cracking.

[jojo]

Ok,

I had another look at the column.

There does appear to be a spring action.

But only when I push the shifter lever. I can't pull it since it already is springing forward.

Any chance there is a spring that has been installed wrong by the previous owner?

Hope that makes since.

Shouldn't it want to pull back after releasing the lever?

[jojo]

Here's some pics of the bottom of the steering column.

Questions:

That stud on of the tranny linkage appears to be broken or worn is that correct?

If so is that piece removable? Or do I get another shaft?

Do the springs appear to be installed correctly?

[jojo]

Anybody?

[KEL]

ttt

[jim zag]

Mine was difficult to shift for a long time. I took the pin out of the shift lever, removed the lever and sprayed WD-40 into the column through the shift lever hole and it shifts REAL NICE now!!!! Must have been old dried out grease!!!!

[jojo]

Jim Zag,

I kinda wish mine was hard to shift.

It's too easy!

Almost no pressure and it changes gear.

I'm beginning to believe it's that stub on the linkage thing that sits on the end of the column. It seems worn.

I've considered drilling it out and somehow attaching a rounded out peice of metal there that sticks out further.

[ssean]

Another thing to check is the linkage (rod) coming up from the tranny to the backside of the column, this has an adjustment. Loosen the nut and slide it either up or down for shifter throw. I was plagued w/ sloppy shifting for many years and attributed it to the tranny but recently swapped in a TH400 unfortunately it had the same affliction but upon further inspecction I adjusted this part and viola I now have to pull towards me to drop out of park. Its just below the brake booster and took a few times to get just right. Worth a look and good luck.