1974 3 speed on the floor question

[walkerb]

I just got a 74 that came with a column shift 3 speed. the PO I bought it from (I think) moved it from column to the floor.

The problem Im having is that when I shift from 1st to 2nd the shifter wont easliy return to neutral so that I can move into 2nd.

In other words, its the 2 plates that are suppose to line back up( that the linkages are attached to) arent lining back up so I have to hunt for neutral and then hunt for second.

Its hard to explain. It seems that I missing something what I have no idea.

Anyone have this problem? Anyone have a picture of their shifter base and/or where the linkages attach to the shifter?

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks

[J Knight]

Originally Posted by walkerb

I just got a 74 that came with a column shift 3 speed. the PO I bought it from (I think) moved it from column to the floor.

The problem Im having is that when I shift from 1st to 2nd the shifter wont easliy return to neutral so that I can move into 2nd.

In other words, its the 2 plates that are suppose to line back up( that the linkages are attached to) arent lining back up so I have to hunt for neutral and then hunt for second.

Its hard to explain. It seems that I missing something what I have no idea.

Anyone have this problem? Anyone have a picture of their shifter base and/or where the linkages attach to the shifter?

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks

I know exactly what you are reffering to. You may just need to adjust the linkage(If the shifter itself isnt worn out). Put the trans in nuetral and make sure the "plates" are in alignment when the shifter is in a "relaxed" state. The plates need to be even with each other.

[76stepsidechevy]

Sounds like my el camino that someone had put one of those universal shifters in. It never really was very precise, Im guessing because the're made to fit several different trannys. As was already said its either out of adjustment or just plain worn out. They are still around if you need a new one, I still see them in the performance isle at the parts stores, usually the same dusty box thats been there for 20 years.

[hatzie]

Most side mount shifters have a neutral allignment hole in the housing and plates. Slide a pin through the holes and adjust the shift rods.
Hurst and others make bushing kits to take slop out of the shift rods.

[walkerb]

Originally Posted by J Knight

I know exactly what you are reffering to. You may just need to adjust the linkage(If the shifter itself isnt worn out). Put the trans in nuetral and make sure the "plates" are in alignment when the shifter is in a "relaxed" state. The plates need to be even with each other.

Im glad you have idea of what Im talking about. I was afriad that this was going to be one of those posts that made absolutley no sense.

I'll try more adjusting tonight. Thanks

Im getting the same problem even if I do find trans neutral the shifter still wont "reset" to shifter neutral.

[walkerb]

Originally Posted by hatzie

Most side mount shifters have a neutral allignment hole in the housing and plates. Slide a pin through the holes and adjust the shift rods.
Hurst and others make bushing kits to take slop out of the shift rods.

Good idea thanks. I have noticed that the reverse and first are throwing alittle bit farther then 2nd and 3rd. I found on-line a picture of my set-up. Someone had used it on a 6o's truck. So Im wondering if this is not correct for 73 and up?

[MalibuSSwagon]

Looks very much like a universal setup to me, because of the multiple holes in all of the pieces. You just may need to adjust the linkages until it feels "right"

[Keith Seymore]

I think you'll find your problem and resolution are more specific to the trans type (Saginaw, I presume) and aftermarket shifter manufacturer (Hurst) than they are the model year of your truck.

K

Edit: you could always put a four speed in it -

[walkerb]

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

I think you'll find your problem and resolution are more specific to the trans type (Saginaw, I presume) and aftermarket shifter manufacturer (Hurst) than they are the model year of your truck.

K

Edit: you could always put a four speed in it -

Are you saying that I should just get a new shifter kit?

I just got this truck and its the first time Ive had a 3 speed in a square body. Im not sure what trans it is. The po said its the orginial trans. Is it a saginaw? How can I tell?

Thanks

[Keith Seymore]

No - I was teasing that you could convert the trans and shifter over to a four speed, which would be more desireable and cure all your problems (...or generate a whole list of new ones...)

Should be a Saginaw, which will look like a passenger car trans:



It's a fine transmission, for light duty use (not really performance or heavy duty).

K

[walkerb]

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

No - I was teasing that you could convert the trans and shifter over to a four speed, which would be more desireable and cure all your problems (...or generate a whole list of new ones...)

Should be a Saginaw, which will look like a passenger car trans:



It's a fine transmission, for light duty use (not really performance or heavy duty).

K

I would, but your right the problems would never end! That for the info on the tranny. Nice to know what it is.

[walkerb]

Originally Posted by J Knight

I know exactly what you are reffering to. You may just need to adjust the linkage(If the shifter itself isnt worn out). Put the trans in nuetral and make sure the "plates" are in alignment when the shifter is in a "relaxed" state. The plates need to be even with each other.

Well Jknight I went home and messed around with the linkages and it seems to be way better. It was raining here last night so I didnt drive her.

I drive it this weekend and hope for the best.

Thanks again

[J Knight]

Originally Posted by walkerb

Well Jknight I went home and messed around with the linkages and it seems to be way better. It was raining here last night so I didnt drive her.

I drive it this weekend and hope for the best.

Thanks again

Good deal, just remember that the plates on the bottom of the shifter have to be even for the shifter to go through the "neutral gate" to function properly. If you lay under the truck and have someone go through the gears you get a better understanding on how the shifter works.
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[walkerb]

Put a few miles on the creeper thats for sure!

Ive spent a hours or two under there now and wish I did have an extra set of eyes and hands.

Thanks again

[tucsonjwt]

When you are under the truck you might also check the clutch adjustment. If your adjustment nut has worked its way too far out you may not be fully disengaging the clutch with the pedal all the way to the floor - makes a big difference in ease of shifting.