shifter sticking - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

atcavage · 04-14-2005, 10:11 PM

My shifter has been sticking lately. I got the favorite three on the tree, and whenever I downshift to first, I have to force the shifter. Plus it doesn't want to slip into the other gears real easy. When I shift into reverse, the gears often grind. I can't figure out the problem and need to fix it before something breaks.

shifty · 04-14-2005, 10:28 PM

I was having the same problem with mine ... But I pulled out the engine and put a different one (Same size) into the truck and now everything is ok

I only unhoooked one part of the linkage - the part that attaches to the block - so it has to have something to do with that, I think. I replaced the clutch too, but ... doubt that has anything to do with it.

**VetteVet** · 04-14-2005, 11:25 PM

It sounds like the linkage adjustment may be off. If you put it in neutral the shifter arms on the column in the engine compartment should be even with each other not above or below. There is a pinch bolt holding the shift rod to the lever that you can loosen and move the lever up or down on the rod as needed. If the bushings in the linkage get worn that will cause the problem too. The reverse grinding may be because of this or something else. If I can find anything in google I will post it.
VetteVet

jhwkns · 04-15-2005, 12:47 AM

Check your motor mounts... A broken mount can throw your linkage, and clutch adjustment off. Good luck..

MOTHERTRUCKERS · 04-15-2005, 07:31 AM

Adjust your clutch

bluec10 · 04-18-2005, 12:47 PM

WD-40 into the column. My '69 shifter was frozen out of first and could hardly shift into 2nd and 3rd. I sprayed WD-40 into it, worked it a bit, and it loosened up perfectly. Try this before you go replacing bushings and other parts.

atcavage · 04-18-2005, 04:52 PM

I've been putting some heavy duty oil onto the linkage and the stuff right behind the firewall. Works for a little while. I am going to try what you suggested.

rwgregory · 04-19-2005, 03:29 AM

Adjust your clutch so you have about 1 inch of free-play at the top of
the pedal, make sure the return spring to the clutch fork is installed &
not missing or broken, then "zero-out" and adjust the shift linkage. That
should cure the sticking& grinding problems. If that dosen't work, start
looking for broken mounts,worn bell-crank pivots,etc.
Good luck!!
rwgregory

04-14-2005, 10:11 PM	#1
atcavage Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Camarillo, Ca Posts: 79	shifter sticking My shifter has been sticking lately. I got the favorite three on the tree, and whenever I downshift to first, I have to force the shifter. Plus it doesn't want to slip into the other gears real easy. When I shift into reverse, the gears often grind. I can't figure out the problem and need to fix it before something breaks. __________________ 1972 1/2 ton Chevy C10 V-8 350, crate engine, with Flomaster dual exhaust. She's Old Blue the Truckinator (no relation to Arnold )

04-14-2005, 10:28 PM	#2
shifty Questionable Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13,376	I was having the same problem with mine ... But I pulled out the engine and put a different one (Same size) into the truck and now everything is ok I only unhoooked one part of the linkage - the part that attaches to the block - so it has to have something to do with that, I think. I replaced the clutch too, but ... doubt that has anything to do with it. __________________ If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM.

04-14-2005, 11:25 PM	#3
VetteVet Msgt USAF Ret Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan Posts: 8,709	It sounds like the linkage adjustment may be off. If you put it in neutral the shifter arms on the column in the engine compartment should be even with each other not above or below. There is a pinch bolt holding the shift rod to the lever that you can loosen and move the lever up or down on the rod as needed. If the bushings in the linkage get worn that will cause the problem too. The reverse grinding may be because of this or something else. If I can find anything in google I will post it. VetteVet __________________ VetteVet metallic green 67 stepside 74 corvette convertible 1965 Harley sportster 1995 Harley wide glide Growing old is hell, but it beats the alternative.

04-15-2005, 12:47 AM	#4
jhwkns Registered Cruiser Join Date: May 2002 Location: Las Vegas NV Posts: 2,230	Check your motor mounts... A broken mount can throw your linkage, and clutch adjustment off. Good luck.. __________________ I intend to live forever. So far, so good.

04-15-2005, 07:31 AM	#5
MOTHERTRUCKERS Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: BRADENTON FLA Posts: 3,269	Adjust your clutch __________________ Rest in Peace Ed. Thanks for all the good times.

04-18-2005, 12:47 PM	#6
bluec10 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Manitoba, Canada Posts: 663	WD-40 into the column. My '69 shifter was frozen out of first and could hardly shift into 2nd and 3rd. I sprayed WD-40 into it, worked it a bit, and it loosened up perfectly. Try this before you go replacing bushings and other parts. __________________ Present: 2015 Tacoma. Yeah, not a GM, but I love it. 1969 GMC 32,000 - fix, drive, relax, fix... 2019 BMW R1250 GSA - Yahoooooooo 1979 Honda GL 1000 - retro touring at its best. Past: '05 Sierra 4x4 - Had 270,000 KM and running well when it was written-off by a stop sign runner. '94 F-150 from the "F word" company. I'll admit it...good truck. Sold what was left of it for $800 to a guy who came to pick it up at 11:00 PM with cash in hand. Hmm. '79 Sierra Grande (Black) organ donor - perfect rebuildable 4-bolt 350 and a good TH350. '76 Sierra Grande (Orange) - hate isn't too strong a word. Kid who bought it turned it into a hot rod. '68 C-10 R.I.P. - Dad's old truck...too far gone to resurrect. '59 C-50 - with hoist. Truck is gone, wife isn't. Nuff said.

04-18-2005, 04:52 PM	#7
atcavage Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Camarillo, Ca Posts: 79	I've been putting some heavy duty oil onto the linkage and the stuff right behind the firewall. Works for a little while. I am going to try what you suggested. __________________ 1972 1/2 ton Chevy C10 V-8 350, crate engine, with Flomaster dual exhaust. She's Old Blue the Truckinator (no relation to Arnold )

04-19-2005, 03:29 AM	#8
rwgregory Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Chula Vista, California Posts: 495	sticking shifter Adjust your clutch so you have about 1 inch of free-play at the top of the pedal, make sure the return spring to the clutch fork is installed & not missing or broken, then "zero-out" and adjust the shift linkage. That should cure the sticking& grinding problems. If that dosen't work, start looking for broken mounts,worn bell-crank pivots,etc. Good luck!! rwgregory __________________ rwgregory 67 GMC 2500 ,2w/d wide box 305 V-6, 4-speed



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