Gear Shift problem

[HBlue]

I have a 76 Custome Deluxe with the 350 Automatic Trans.

What would cause the gear shift to not lock into place?

When I shift from Park to Drive, it does not go into gear.
I have to go to 2 or 1 for it to go into gear, then go back up to N and back down to Drive.

When I shift from D to R, I have to go nearly to P for it to go into reverse.

It just started this a couple of days ago. Is there some linkage I need to adjust.

thanks for your help.

[lilpoindexter]

Detents in the shifter worn, or linkage worn.

[Keith Seymore]

I would guess the linkage got out of adjustment.

Other than Park the actual detents are in the transmission itself. There is a cantilvered spring which engages a "roostercomb", and that's what gives you the "feel".

Take a look under the truck. You should see a rod that goes down from the steering column to the trans. There's a little "barrel" attachment with a bolt on it.

Chock your wheels so the truck doesn't roll. Put the shifter in "N"; go under the truck and loosen that barrel; click the trans lever around until the trans itself is firmly in neutral. Tighten the barrel bolt back up.

If that doesn't do it then I would guess something has happened to the spring/roostercomb arrangement inside the trans. Or may e something happened to the cross shaft at the frame, like the spring broke or the half spherical plastic washer fell out.

K

[HBlue]

thanks for the suggestions.

Everything outside looks fine and is tight.

I tried what you said and it did not help, so it must be the spring/roostercomb.

what's next? Can I drop the pan and replace some parts?

[Keith Seymore]

Yes. You can drop the pan and have a look.

K