My 69 C10 shift linkage locks up sometimes - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

data89 · 09-23-2012, 09:31 PM

I've done a couple hours searching and have not found anything relating to the occasional lockup of my 3 on the tree.
I have a 69 C10. Occasionally, whether downshifting or upshifting, my linkage will lockup (naturally only at a stop with vehicles behind me), and I have to turn off the engine, get out, raise the hood and pull up one of the 2 linkages on the column. If I'm attentive to shifting, I can go months without this happening, but, sometimes I just want to shift without babying it. It's always been a little stiff going from gear to gear, but, I think this is not normal, duh. And there should be a procedure for adjusting this, right?

Shyguy · 09-23-2012, 09:35 PM

I had the same problems years ago with a '65 C-10, I replaced the grommets on the shift linkage and it solved the problem

PanelDeland · 09-23-2012, 10:22 PM

It's probably got some dried up grease and muck in it.Clean it wellThe sliding twisting parts under the hood..I like Wd40 or simple green.I usually spray it good with either then wash it out at the car wash.White lithium grease(the spray kind) works well.There is also a great write up on adjusting it but I didn't find it in a quick search.Maybe someone else will post that for you.The bushings can also cause some problems but they usually make it finicky every time.

northerngmc · 09-24-2012, 04:13 PM

Try to adjust it first. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ighlight=speed

That really helped when I bought a 69 GMC with a 3 speed manual. It was still stiff and I ended up taking the column out of the truck and flushing varsol through the column. Then I could shift all winter!

09-23-2012, 09:31 PM	#1
data89 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Watertown, WI Posts: 72	My 69 C10 shift linkage locks up sometimes I've done a couple hours searching and have not found anything relating to the occasional lockup of my 3 on the tree. I have a 69 C10. Occasionally, whether downshifting or upshifting, my linkage will lockup (naturally only at a stop with vehicles behind me), and I have to turn off the engine, get out, raise the hood and pull up one of the 2 linkages on the column. If I'm attentive to shifting, I can go months without this happening, but, sometimes I just want to shift without babying it. It's always been a little stiff going from gear to gear, but, I think this is not normal, duh. And there should be a procedure for adjusting this, right?

09-23-2012, 09:35 PM	#2
Shyguy Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Southeast Missouri Posts: 2,436	Re: My 69 C10 shift linkage locks up sometimes I had the same problems years ago with a '65 C-10, I replaced the grommets on the shift linkage and it solved the problem __________________ '67 Chevy C-20 short stepper - build complete, 454/SM-465. '75 C-30 Single Cab DRW-350 small block/NP-435. '77 GMC-6500 Dump Truck, 427 Tall Deck. '92 GMC K-3500 Duallie, 454/4L80E.

09-23-2012, 10:22 PM	#3
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: My 69 C10 shift linkage locks up sometimes It's probably got some dried up grease and muck in it.Clean it wellThe sliding twisting parts under the hood..I like Wd40 or simple green.I usually spray it good with either then wash it out at the car wash.White lithium grease(the spray kind) works well.There is also a great write up on adjusting it but I didn't find it in a quick search.Maybe someone else will post that for you.The bushings can also cause some problems but they usually make it finicky every time. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

09-24-2012, 04:13 PM	#4
northerngmc Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Whitehorse YK Canada Posts: 2,651	Re: My 69 C10 shift linkage locks up sometimes Try to adjust it first. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ighlight=speed That really helped when I bought a 69 GMC with a 3 speed manual. It was still stiff and I ended up taking the column out of the truck and flushing varsol through the column. Then I could shift all winter! __________________ Blaine 59 GMC 9314 a.k.a. Whoopee 68 C20 50th Anniversary a.k.a. The Rat http://www.flickr.com/photos/northerngmc/ http://www.members.tripod.com/P-wee/index_032.htm 1.61803 is one H of a lot better than 3.14159, no really it is!



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