Transmission Acting Wrong...???

[vinco]

Well, I finally got my 63 to a point where I can try to start it today, and it just plain didn't act right. It's a 230 with a factory 4-speed. By the shifter, the transmission is clearly in neutral, but the truck still lurches when I hit the starter, as if it's in gear. However when I push the clutch, the engine will crank freely, with no apparent engagement of the transmission, like it should. So something's up with the tranny, but I have no clue what or how to go about fixing it. Is this common with the big 4-speed? Any clues or ideas? Thanks!

[AcampoDave]

Looks like we're kinda stumped on this one. It's just a thought, but have you pulled the shifter out and verified it to be operating the tranny internals. I'm no transmission guy but I do know the stick has a big tooth on the bottom which engages the sliders that change the gears. Push down hard on the spring loaded collar at the base of the stick and twist to release, then the shifter pulls straight out. I used to pull my shifter all the time for theft prevention and noticed I could change the gears without locking down the collar. A quick peak with a flashlight verified their positions as they I changed them.

[vinco]

Yep, I'm stumped too for the moment. I'm now wondering if maybe I've found the reason the truck was taken out of service... Most times there's SOME reason why the truck was parked in a field or a back yard or wherever - maybe this is the reason for this one.

['63GENIII]

What kind of transmission is it? Does it have external linkage that needs adjusting?
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[vinco]

No, it's the big top-loading granny-low 4-speed. I'll pull the shifter tomorrow and look inside. Coincidentally, it's a 2WD long stepper. I also ended up with a 64 long stepper with a 3-speed, which actually currently runs and drives.

[cgreen]

I had a granny low years back and I seem to remember that there are 2 shifters that will fit into the tranny but one is slightly different than the other. this difference can cause shifting issues and/or engagement problems. perhaps someone put the wrong shifter in.

[Jeff La]

If I had to guess, your stuck in gear probably because of a worn shifter. should be able to pull the cover and see what gear your in and put it in neutral. Had this happen years ago in an old one ton.

['63GENIII]

IIRC, the shifter can accidentally be installed in the wrong position. I had a Clark 5 speed like that. If the "shift gates" ( where the end of the shifter crops into) were not in the right position when I put the shifter back in, it would do some strange things like you describe. Easy fix. Pull the shifter out and check to make shut that they are aligned.
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[FetchMeAPepsi]

It may seem simple, but check to make sure the cotter pin hasn't come loose where the shifter connects to the linkage. If that falls out you can move it anywhere you want and it won't make any difference because it's just rolling around free