72 PRNDL gear shift issue

[72tutone]

My 72 truck I have to move it down to almost L1 L2 for it to fully engage to Drive.. So if you were to move it up to D the handle falls down... Is this a clip issue, or something lower on the transmission?

Also is there away I can fix where I dont have to jam it up into park? I have to use some force to get it up into park.

[OhioDan]

Sounds like ya need to adjust yer shift linkage? Block wheels, set park brake. Check linkage where shift linkage connects to column for worn bushing or link arm. Repair as needed. Loosen nut on linkage at base of steer column where shift linkage connects to column. Put trans into park or neutral, no matter what it says at indicator. Have someone hold shifter into whatever gear your trans is in, and tighten adj. nut. May have to repeat as necessary until ya get it right. Hope this helps?

[72tutone]

I kind of know what your taking about. Today I looked at it. Now at the top where there is a nut to the linkage it appears that there is like a fan that when you shift, the lever goes down. Those "fan blades" however you want to call them look worn.

Could this be the problem?

[72tutone]

ttt

[OhioDan]

pics????

[Classic Heartbeat]

I would have someone shift the truck (with it turned off of coarse) and watch the adjuster to see if it is slipping on the shift rod. If so, tighten the 9/16 bolt once you adjust it. If not the it sounds like you may have lost the rubber grommet and steel sleeve out of the shift arm at the bottom of the column. You may also have worn linkage issues. If the first thing doesn't solve your problem, then you will need to take it apart to inspect for ware. WES

[72tutone]

Here are some pics that are requested. The nut where the circle is at, I have tightened that as much as I could. The problem still persists. The arrow points to the part in question. This appears to be worn. I am not even sure what that part is called. I hope someone could shed some light on this.

[OhioDan]

Not real sure, as I have a 4 spd., but I think that the detent just below the nut is supposed to go in between the fingers on the lower lever you're pointing to. I think that is what activates your backup lights and nuetral safety switch? Wish I could help more.
Dan

[72tutone]

Yes that is correct. That is what it does. What happening is its sliding down which engages the gear, but its not staying put. That is why I am thinking its worn. If that is the case, I dont even know what part I should be looking to replace is called.

Thanks for the help though.

[72tutone]

ttt

[OhioDan]

IIRC, you should have to pull your shifter back toward you, in order to shift out of park? When you do, does anything move at your adjustment point on the linkage? Forward or backwards? Maybe, you have a broken ball off the end of your shift arm on the column? Mighy want to check it out? Please, someone more knowledgeable chime in. I don't own an auto shift.

[72tutone]

Yes when you move the shifter arm down, it goes into r, n then drive etc... However what is happening is on the column that piece moves down but it doesnt "engage" so to speak. Its real sloppy and loose.

[chevy88]

GO to this to adjust and tighten up, it might help on post #8
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...18#post3959618

[72tutone]

Well I managed to do that now the holes where the screws were arent lining up... Its like the holes somehow have drifted up a bit, and I cant find anything to move them back down. I tried sticking something in the hole to push it downward to line up with the bracket and screw, however Im having no such luck.

Has anyone ever experienced this before?

[chevy88]

Do not stick anything in holes/be careful you could ruin threads. Try turning outside with pipe wrench and hold inner shaft crescent/visegrip to take out play. Lets us know how it turns out.