Shift linkage

[1moretoy]

Looking for any ideas or tips on installing the shift linkage to the transmission. I'm going to a 4L60E transmission from a factory tilt column and can't get the indicator to line up with the gears. I'm using the lokar rod linkage.

[Howitzer]

Just had issues with this myself! After messing with it forever, and paying someone to mess with it again i purchased the Lokar cable version. It has worked much better. Part is ACA-1804.

[1moretoy]

Originally Posted by Howitzer

Just had issues with this myself! After messing with it forever, and paying someone to mess with it again i purchased the Lokar cable version. It's worked much better. Part is ACA-1804.

I have the cable version as well. When I called lokar about this issue I mentioned I had the cable version also. The guy I spoke to on the phone told me the cable style wasn't made for the 4l60e and would eventually brake. Not sure how that would happen so I ended up buying the rod style instead.

[Howitzer]

Are you running a 4L60E or the 700R4? I have the 700R4 and would be happy to send you pictures and write up if you like. PM me your email address. Just finished adjusting it today.

[1moretoy]

Originally Posted by Howitzer

Are you running a 4L60E or the 700R4? I have the 700R4 and would be happy to send you pictures and write up if you like. PM me your email address. Just finished adjusting it today.

4l60e out of a 2001 camaro.

[Howitzer]

I don't think it'll be the same setup then. If you still want pictures let me know.

[davepl]

My 4L80E lines up pretty nicely. It overshoots 1 by a little bit but P and D are spot on. We had to adjust how far the rod mount is out from pivot point to get the right amount of "sweep" overall.

[1moretoy]

Originally Posted by davepl

My 4L80E lines up pretty nicely. It overshoots 1 by a little bit but P and D are spot on. We had to adjust how far the rod mount is out from pivot point to get the right amount of "sweep" overall.

Not sure what that is. Is it a 4l80e shift linkage?

[Howitzer]

Here's the setup for the 700R4 and Lokar ACA-1804. Lokar's directions are pretty good, but i would argue not completely accurate.

Follow what they have in the directions list, with some add ons:

The cable should be adjusted to have the jam nuts in the middle on both ends. This will allow you to have more initial adjustment. If you cannot end up where you need to be in the end, then start with one of the ends maxed out to whichever end works best.

The directions say to use the slot on the transmission shifter that's closes to the shaft for GM columns, and the outside one for Aftermarket columns. I have a stock GM column and did the closer hole the first time, only to find that i needed more column lever movement to line up the numbers, so i went to the outside hole, this worked better for this particular setup.

Despite what many say, there is a shift gate in the column inside the truck where the shifter is. This semi-circular piece of metal in the column has multiple slots that allow the shift lever to stop at detents and will either require a pull towards the steering wheel to move up or down, or just move up or down without the pull. You can pop out the push in pin that holds the shift lever into the column to see exactly what they look like.

I moved the the lever on the transmission into neutral and removed the shift lever on the column, and verified that it was in the middle of the neutral flat on the column, that way if i had errors, they would be washed out on either side of the indicator progressively more as you go.

Next i adjusted the clamp bracket on the firewall side of the steering column so that the cable would line up in the middle of the column shift arm, and then tightened the bracket down.

After completing the proper washer/Delrin bushing stack, i snugged up the bolt that connect the column shifter arm to the cable, not too tight, it still needs to rotate freely.

From there it was small adjustments on the cable jam nuts at either end of the cable, and in fact i did only one, as i had set everything in the middle and it seemed to work out.

Attached are the pictures. As you can see the needle isn't exact, but i can select all gears, i'm in the column shift gate detent in park when the transmission is in park, and the the same goes with drive.

[Howitzer]

More pics.

[1moretoy]

Originally Posted by Howitzer

More pics.

Thanks will give it a try tonight. Ran into a new problem last night. The arm at the end of the column hits the header now. Might have to bend it out of the way.