How to fix a sloppy automatic shifter - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

shuttermutt · 12-14-2003, 11:50 PM

Okay, it seems like every stinkin' one of these trucks (and numerous Chevy cars) that I've driven with a column-shift automatic has a sloppy shifter. My 68, for example, has a decent enough spring (the one you pull against to change gears), I guess, but it doesn't have a solid feel between "D" and "2", for example.

What's involved in making these shifters "tight" again? Normally, I'd probably let it go like so many of us do. Driving home tonight, however, I realized that I've picked up the habit of bumping the shifter with my hand just to make sure it's in "D" and not "2". Ugh! It shouldn't be this way!

cwilli84 · 12-15-2003, 12:21 AM

I was just askin the same thing on another post. I was told the spring is missing on mine

MAC67 · 12-15-2003, 01:00 AM

ive just gotta shut mine off when ioi get out,, it likes to fall into reverse while idling,,ha ha ha,, i really need to fix that,,lol

Longhorn Man · 12-15-2003, 01:05 AM

And to think I have been told I am full of it when bad mouthing these columns.
In reality, it is a poor design in general. A good van tilt is a good answer, but to properly repair these, you need to inspect/replace/tighten the spring at the bottom of the column, and ensure the shifter tube is properly lubed. A good coat of anti seize in the shifting colar helps if yours has a binding issue too.

dinnut · 12-15-2003, 01:31 AM

my non tilt in my 72 doesnt go into park. and the neutral safety switch doesnt work.

krue · 12-15-2003, 01:54 AM

Talk to Piston. He tightened his up by using tubing as bushings on all the pivot points from the column to the tranny. I have yet to do it, but it's on my to-do list.

krue · 12-15-2003, 01:56 AM

Try this link.

LInkage Slop

12-14-2003, 11:50 PM	#1
shuttermutt Don't say "Oops!", Doctor Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 677	How to fix a sloppy automatic shifter Okay, it seems like every stinkin' one of these trucks (and numerous Chevy cars) that I've driven with a column-shift automatic has a sloppy shifter. My 68, for example, has a decent enough spring (the one you pull against to change gears), I guess, but it doesn't have a solid feel between "D" and "2", for example. What's involved in making these shifters "tight" again? Normally, I'd probably let it go like so many of us do. Driving home tonight, however, I realized that I've picked up the habit of bumping the shifter with my hand just to make sure it's in "D" and not "2". Ugh! It shouldn't be this way! __________________ 'Mutt 1968 CST LWB: R.I.P. 1967 Chevelle: TPI 454 beast 1967 C10 SWB: Claimed when Bumpster didn't put it on his list

12-15-2003, 12:21 AM	#2
cwilli84 1FINE69 Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Detroit, Michigan Posts: 239	I was just askin the same thing on another post. I was told the spring is missing on mine __________________ Had a 69 swb fleetside 350zz3 w 400turbo trans oak lined bed with rhino coated sides red exterior. SOLD

12-15-2003, 01:31 AM	#5
dinnut Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: missouri city, tx Posts: 4,486	my non tilt in my 72 doesnt go into park. and the neutral safety switch doesnt work. __________________ 70 longbed 496/th400/Ford 9"

12-15-2003, 01:54 AM	#6
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,448	Talk to Piston. He tightened his up by using tubing as bushings on all the pivot points from the column to the tranny. I have yet to do it, but it's on my to-do list. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

12-15-2003, 01:56 AM	#7
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,448	Try this link. LInkage Slop __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

12-15-2003, 01:00 AM	#3
MAC67 " SHOW ME" Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: shelbyville illinois Posts: 2,624	ive just gotta shut mine off when ioi get out,, it likes to fall into reverse while idling,,ha ha ha,, i really need to fix that,,lol

12-15-2003, 01:05 AM	#4
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	And to think I have been told I am full of it when bad mouthing these columns. In reality, it is a poor design in general. A good van tilt is a good answer, but to properly repair these, you need to inspect/replace/tighten the spring at the bottom of the column, and ensure the shifter tube is properly lubed. A good coat of anti seize in the shifting colar helps if yours has a binding issue too.



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