Shifting problem in manual 3 speed

[underton]

I just bought a 68 gmc pickup with a inline six and a three on the tree. It has a peculiar problem while trying to shift between the back two gears (second and third) and the closer gears (first and reverse). It's hard to pull back into the closer gears, especially when its cold outside. I don't have much experience with Chevys and gmc, so any advice would help.

Thanks in advance for any help.
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[Shyguy]

One of the problems with these types of shifters is all the bushings in the linkage wear out and cause for difficult and some times hung up shifting.

Check all the bushings and lub what you can.

[LockDoc]

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Another problem is the shift tube inside the column, it gets dry and/or the old grease gets stiff. Put the shift lever in neutral and spray some PB Blaster, Liquid Wrench, or something similar (not WD-40) into the steering column, where the shift lever goes in. Don't be afraid to give it a good dousing. After you spray it pull the shift lever up toward you and push it back down toward the dash. The knob should move up and down a couple of inches. Do this 4 or 5 times. This will help free up any sticking in the shift lever tube. The reason the shift lever moves up and down is to engage the two different gates, one for first and reverse and one for second and third.

As Shyguy says, spray the linkage and levers at the bottom of the column and trans linkage under the hood.

LockDoc

[PanelDeland]

All you need to know to get it to shift like new.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=215307

[clemsonteg]

Originally Posted by PanelDeland

All you need to know to get it to shift like new.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=215307

I followed this and mine improved.

I adjusted the linkage and ordered 2 of these for the shift tube:

http://www.classicparts.com/1947-76-.../#.UT4KADcU2o8

And 4 of these for the linkage at the trans, it says only 2 but I think its wrong because what was left of mine there were 4:

http://www.classicparts.com/1960-76-.../#.UT4KOTcU2o8

I also got 2 new clips at for the trans linkage:

http://www.classicparts.com/1960-72-.../#.UT4KYzcU2o8

I haven't tried spraying lube inside the cab, I will need to try that. One problem I have is all the slop at the shifter itself, it has a new pin but I think the internal collar has seen better days. When the trans is in gear I can move the lever 2 inches up and down without effecting the linkage and everything else is adjusted I believe. I haven't found any replacement parts (I believe it is the shift socket?) for that so I will just live with it.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by clemsonteg

I followed this and mine improved.

I adjusted the linkage and ordered 2 of these for the shift tube:

http://www.classicparts.com/1947-76-.../#.UT4KADcU2o8

And 4 of these for the linkage at the trans, it says only 2 but I think its wrong because what was left of mine there were 4:

http://www.classicparts.com/1960-76-.../#.UT4KOTcU2o8

I also got 2 new clips at for the trans linkage:

http://www.classicparts.com/1960-72-.../#.UT4KYzcU2o8

I haven't tried spraying lube inside the cab, I will need to try that. One problem I have is all the slop at the shifter itself, it has a new pin but I think the internal collar has seen better days. When the trans is in gear I can move the lever 2 inches up and down without effecting the linkage and everything else is adjusted I believe. I haven't found any replacement parts (I believe it is the shift socket?) for that so I will just live with it.

I think you are right. The only cure for that is to replace the collar that the shift lever attaches to.

LockDoc

[cdowns]

all great ideas

overlooked alot of times is sagging and rotted body mounts causing misaligned shifting linkages in older vehicles

[clemsonteg]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

I think you are right. The only cure for that is to replace the collar that the shift lever attaches to.

LockDoc

Not to thread jack, but any idea where that part can be purchased?

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by clemsonteg

Not to thread jack, but any idea where that part can be purchased?

Salvage yard or the parts board on here. There are a lot of guys on the parts board parting out trucks. I wouldn't think it would be too hard to find one. You can't post a wanted to buy but if you find one on the parts board you can buy it. You might try sending a PM to Randy, (Member "Teeitup"). he has a lot of posts on the parts board.

LockDoc