Will a Muncie shifter fit on a Saginaw Trans?

[MandarinSixSeven]

I need a new shifter here. So, from the pictures I can find the shifters look pretty much the same for a saginaw and muncie. Does anyone know if they are interchangable? I have a saginaw 4-speed and all I can find are muncie 4-speed shifters, but they look pretty much the same (bolt pattern and parts) but its hard to tell for sure just from pics on the internet. Can anyone help?

P.S. its a car 4-speed if that helps

[72402]

Don't know what kind of shifter you're looking at, but with a Hurst Competition Plus, you order an installation kit for whatever transmission you're using. The rods and mounting plate are different for Muncie and Saginaw.

[MandarinSixSeven]

I'm just looking to buy a used one, but all I can find are ones that say "GM" 4-speed shifter. Which isn't much help at all. I just need one that works, nothing super fancy. Maybe a bit of an upgrade if possible. I also still have all the mounting plates and linkage on teh tranny. So, I guess my question is if just the shifter body will mount up.

[ZOOMY]

Muncie shifters were basically junk right from the factory. Do yourself a favor & get a Hurst. You'll never regret the extra $$

[MandarinSixSeven]

Originally Posted by ZOOMY

Muncie shifters were basically junk right from the factory. Do yourself a favor & get a Hurst. You'll never regret the extra $$

Ok, but will a hurst made for a muncie fit a saginaw as well? I can find lots of them, just don't know if it will work (but they look the same)

[ZOOMY]

The Hurst Competition-Plus shifters were all the same basic design for 4 speeds. The application was based on what kit you needed for your specific transmission. Go to NAPA or your local "reputable" parts store & they should have a book showing what kit you need. The shifter handles varied all over the place too. Some were spot welded in. Others bolted. The welded ones can be drilled out to put the handle you need in there. For our trucks you need a long handle. I can get the part number off one of mine if you want.

[MandarinSixSeven]

So...if I just buy the shifter body, I can get a kit to mount it then right?

[72402]

Right

[SideStepper]

I agree with Zoomy.....Muncie shifters are bad news. Years ago I bought a new Chevelle with a factory installed Muncie 4 speed. I was surprised that within the first year, it was jammin up in every gear. I pulled it out and replaced it with a Hurst shifter....major improvement!

[72402]

I always keep an eye out at swapmeets for Hurst shifters. I've picked up a few good ones for 20-25 dollars, some even had linkage. I think I paid $169 fo the last installation kit I ordered for a Muncie.

[beaterC10]

Not all Hurst 4 speed shifters are interchangeable. Hurst uses several different shifter bodies, combined with different sticks, and installation kits to cover the different transmissions.

There is a reference section in the Hurst catalog for replacement parts that will let you cross reference shifter bodies, shifter sticks, installation kits, etc. The trick to finding the right shifter is to find the Hurst catalog number stamped on the shifter body. The catalog only references Hurst aftermarket shifters, so you are on your own for factory Hurst shifters.

There is also a trans ID guide in the Hurst catalog.

The Hurst catalog is available in pdf on the Mr Gasket website.

[Gary Lee]

But Jc whitney has a cheap floor shifter for 3spds.. its under $75... But I doubt that thing will be anywhere near as slick shifting as a hurst...

[Kurt L]

hurst has their own web site.bought mine from hurst on line for saginaw
4spd,price was with S&H 289.00.but that was to jax fl.but still a great price,
compared to some of the speed shops here in town.that was for 70 model truck .
[chevy]

[jhwkns]

The Hurst Comp Plus linkage kit for our trucks puts the shifter much farther forward than any car linkage would. You should be able to find a used shifter. There are a bunch of them out there, but the installation kits like stated before are a little pricey. I had more money wrapped up in the shifter and linkage than the gearbox itself. The shifter location is great, and they work pretty much flawlessly. The only trouble I had was that the plastic bushings supplied in the kit weren't very good. I replaced them with bronze units, and haven't had any problems since.