steering column or linkage problem?

[perro13]

Here's the problem on my daughters 66 truck, When she put the truck into gear, the shifter arm starts to gradually move down in drive & reverse. So anytime she drives it she has to hold the shifter arm. I'm thinking it column anybody run into this problem & any ideas for a fix. Thanks in advance.

[Palf70Step]

To me is sounds more like the linkage down on the frame where it goes into the automatic. The column has no detentes to make it stop at the appropriate gear. That would be in the tranny.

[MikeN]

There's a part some call a "rooster comb" inside the transmission that has the detents in it, at least on a TH350 or TH400. I've never looked inside a Powerglide. I don't think you have a column or linkage issue, I would think it has to be inside the transmission. Kind of hard to describe, but the little roller that rides on the detent is spring loaded. Drop the pan on the transmission and I bet the trouble is right there in plain view.

[MikeN]

The photo in this link shows the spring loaded arm with roller that rides in the detents. That cap screw to the right of the red box that holds the roller arm in place could have come loose.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/chevy...50-issues.html

[cru_zn_29]

When you pull the shift handle doe's it want to spring back for the detent ? If not check for broken spring or it needs lubed.

[MikeN]

Originally Posted by cru_zn_29

When you pull the shift handle doe's it want to spring back for the detent ? If not check for broken spring or it needs lubed.

Good point. That could easily be the problem.

[perro13]

Originally Posted by cru_zn_29

When you pull the shift handle doe's it want to spring back for the detent ? If not check for broken spring or it needs lubed.

The truck is down in L.A, she said there is not a lot of spring action on the shifter maybe a good thing. Excuse my ignorance, Which spring are we talking about.

[61K10]

if it's the detent it could be the spring with the roller on the end loose/broke or there is a nut on the outside of the trans that holds the shift paw in the trans. it could be loose. there is also a clip on the shaft in-board of the side of the case (bottom of the red box). ck the nut on the outside first as you have to pull the pan for the inside stuff.

[MikeN]

Originally Posted by perro13

The truck is down in L.A, she said there is not a lot of spring action on the shifter maybe a good thing. Excuse my ignorance, Which spring are we talking about.

There's a spring inside the column that works against the shift lever. When you pull it back to shift gears, you're putting tension on this spring.

[perro13]

Thanks guys, I'll be back down next week, Know I have a general idea of what to look for.