Shift Linkage Question

[ABX131]

My 63' has a 350/Th350 with a poorly fabricated shift linkage unit on the floor. I am puting in a 71' column shift unit to convert it back. It was my understanding that it is just a long rod that links the end of the column to the tranny. I looked on my buddy's 72' and it was this huge mess of linkage? Is that what I need or will a lokar type rod work? What are my other options?

[ABX131]

Anyone???

[64fleetside]

try 73-87 linkage.

[luvbowties]

Originally Posted by ABX131

My 63' has a 350/Th350 with a poorly fabricated shift linkage unit on the floor. I am puting in a 71' column shift unit to convert it back. It was my understanding that it is just a long rod that links the end of the column to the tranny. I looked on my buddy's 72' and it was this huge mess of linkage? Is that what I need or will a lokar type rod work? What are my other options?

Sounds like your buddy's '72 was a stick shift?

[ABX131]

My buddys truck has a th350 as well but the linkage seems like overkill. It is all stock, one of the nicest I have seen.

[Shooters_7]

Build your own. Lokar also carries them.

http://www.lokar.com/product-pgs/col...shiftlink.html

[luvbowties]

Originally Posted by ABX131

My buddys truck has a th350 as well but the linkage seems like overkill. It is all stock, one of the nicest I have seen.

Sorry, mental picture from memory not so good anymore. I, too so much dislike sloppily-built rigs. But u can make one that feels quite sturdy once u get the column installed. I DO recall it is a simple, intuitive task. And u were right when u said u thought it was mostly a simple rod mechanism--cheap parts from a "yard" can do just as good a job as Lokar: I think theirs is over-designed and probably priced likewise. Enjoy the challenge and results!

[Tx Firefighter]

The linkage on the 72 will be multiple pieces if your buddy has it all correct. There should be 5 piece total between the frame rail and the trans shift shaft.

-Stand that bolts to the frame
-Horseshoe piece that bolts to the shift shaft
-Intermediate piece that goes between those two
-a spring
-a cup shaped washer that the spring pushes against.

If you have all the pieces installed correctly, it works very well and allows slight engine movement during operation without affecting gear selection.

[ABX131]

That is what he has...Do I need all that or can I just use a rod with the two end pieces like in the Lokar kit? I am starting from scratch on this linkage and the Lokar type seems easier to find.

[luvbowties]

Originally Posted by ABX131

That is what he has...Do I need all that or can I just use a rod with the two end pieces like in the Lokar kit? I am starting from scratch on this linkage and the Lokar type seems easier to find.

You really need like Heim joints (or similar as in kit below) ends for such a rod hookup. Plus, the trans needs to have a shift-shaft bracket with properly angled slot to accommodate linkage coming down from column shifter.

Look at this simple system, much like Lokar's:
>> http://compare.ebay.com/like/300787200915 <<. Notice its slotted lever that bolts to trans shift-shaft; its ball-and-socket ends for linkage rod. It's not as "nice" as Lokar's, but it is a little cheaper. Lokar's kit or this one from Welder Joe would be a turnkey solution to use with your '71 column.

I know I told you earlier it was simple to make one; it is, but I tend to forget about all the used parts I've accumulated over 50 years working on cars. If you tried to just use a straight rod with lock-down ends and with a 'rigged' floor shifter shift-shaft, it would end up being rigged also, binding when u tried to shift plus tending to change gears itself when engine twisted from torque and bumpy roads.

You'll be miles ahead, if u cannot find those 5 parts, to buy a kit.

[ABX131]

Thank you. I actually looked at that very kit but was not sure if it would fit my application...I plan on going with something like this and I won't be "home building" it. Need to have everything in advance before I start this project...