TONS of slop in the column shifter - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Mrturner1 · 02-08-2016, 01:29 AM

I have a 3 speed auto and the column shifter is so sloppy you have to feel for reverse and drive, and good luck finding neutral. Is there a way to have a nice tight shift on an old column? If so how do I do it?

**Canuckvetter** · 02-08-2016, 01:44 AM

Great question. I'm looking for the same answer.

tommy3horse · 02-08-2016, 02:06 AM

I am subscribed. I can obtain an auto column that is nice and tight for a c-note. Not sure I want to change it out or rob parts, like the shifter cup, etc...?

Tom

joeydurango · 02-08-2016, 10:04 AM

Consider me sub'd.

Lanman1972 · 02-08-2016, 11:56 AM

Me too! sub'd

72kool · 02-08-2016, 12:49 PM

sub'd to this. i made sure my linkage was tight and everything i could easily see/access but no luck

Gromit · 02-08-2016, 12:52 PM

Me too..

snipescastle2 · 02-08-2016, 01:11 PM

There are several bushings between the column shifter, shifter to rod, rod to transmission bell crank.
I found that the bell crank that mounts on the chassis, and connects to the transmission shift lever, had major wear on these pieces.
I got an assortment of bronze bushings ( mine were from my work) but most parts houses should have them. I took the bushing that fit the pivot pin (part of the bracket that bolts to your chassis) and then I drilled the hole in the corresponding piece that slides on the pivot (part that attaches to the transmission lever) until it was a snug fit for the bushing to stay put.
That firmed up that play, next, my shifter rod had a huge portion of the pin that fits inside a nylon or rubber bushing that fits in the bell crank (piece that ties the column shifter rod to the transmission lever) well, you can either try and weld buildup the factory one, or look for a better one at a salvage yard, or make one like I did.take in mind, I have a machine shop at my work, and its easy for me to make small pieces on a metal lathe, which is what I have done for mine. Basically, I measured the inside diameter of the shifter detent plate on the end of the column (under the brake master cylinder/booster) I then made a split bushing sort of looks like a top hat (the smaller diameter fits inside the hole in the shifter detent, (the larger diameter sits on the shoulder of the hole in the detent plate hole) kinda like a side view of an "Oreo Cookie" if you get my meaning. A sandwich bushing that fits in the shifter hole.
I made an identical split bushing for the bell crank. Then, I measured the distance between holes of the bushings(with both the transmission in park and shifter in park. This gave me a "ball park" measurement for my shifter rod.
I went a little overboard with mine, as I crafted mine out of Stainless Steel tubing and sperical rod ends. I had to tap each end of the tubing for 1/2" -20 NF (right hand and left hand threads)
So I could make this adjustable, like a turnbuckle.
Once I got it all together, it's plenty solid, and moves very freely, plus no slop!
I'll post some pictures later.
Ben

kehstr · 02-08-2016, 01:22 PM

To find out what is loose you need to have someone try and shift it while you are under the truck seeing what has got the slop in it

bs46488 · 02-08-2016, 02:10 PM

I think I have a similar problem.

I had a buddy shift the truck while I was under it. Nothing moved. Everything was solid and tight.

I eventually determined that the extra "slop" is with this part on the column (see pic) and have no clue where to start on how to fix it. Is this the same thing you are seeing?

snipescastle2 · 02-08-2016, 04:54 PM

that detent plate is supposed to "Ratchet" in between the gears, mine had a groove where the shifter arm rides against it. that is part of the problem, there are adjustments to the lower bearings you can make, as well as loosening the bolts under the dash and pulling the column out (Towards you) that will put more tension against the detent, but if yours is worn out like mine, doubt it will do much good.
Ben

**LockDoc** · 02-08-2016, 05:36 PM

-
Here is a picture of the detent plate. If you have a gap between the detent plate and the shifter arm like this, that is probably your problem. This is for a non-tilt only.

-
The first thing I would do is to spray some PB Blaster, Liquid Wrench, or something similar (not WD-40) into the steering column, where the shift lever goes in. Insert the tube above and below the shift lever. Don't be afraid to give it a good dousing. After you spray it pull the shift lever up toward you and push it back down toward the dash. The knob should move up and down a couple of inches. Do this 4 or 5 times. This will help free up any sticking in the shift lever tube so the detent will do its job. Be sure and spray the bottom of the tube where the shifter arm is also. The reason the shift lever moves up and down is because it should be pulled back towards you to shift it into and out of the park position.

LockDoc

**LockDoc** · 02-08-2016, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bs46488

I think I have a similar problem.

I had a buddy shift the truck while I was under it. Nothing moved. Everything was solid and tight.

I eventually determined that the extra "slop" is with this part on the column (see pic) and have no clue where to start on how to fix it. Is this the same thing you are seeing?

If nothing is moving when you move the lever take the lever out and see if the little ball is broken off the end of the lever.

LockDoc

bs46488 · 02-08-2016, 06:46 PM

Leon,

Let me correct my problem. My level shifts fine into every gear. I just have a lot of slop in the lever. I meant that when my buddy was moving the shifter, there was no movement or "slop" in the linkage or detent. All of my slop is on that (ugly) orange piece that I drew the red arrow on.

Mrturner1 · 02-08-2016, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bs46488

Leon,

Let me correct my problem. My level shifts fine into every gear. I just have a lot of slop in the lever. I meant that when my buddy was moving the shifter, there was no movement or "slop" in the linkage or detent. All of my slop is on that (ugly) orange piece that I drew the red arrow on.

This is what I'm having too. I can find all the gears, as well as having to pull the shift lever towards me to go in and out of Park. But the shift lever has so much slop it's rediculous.

Someone mentioned above about a ball in the end of the shift lever, I'm gonna check this out. Glad so many guys needed this fix! We have a lot of good sources on this site

**LockDoc** · 02-08-2016, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bs46488

Leon,

Let me correct my problem. My level shifts fine into every gear. I just have a lot of slop in the lever. I meant that when my buddy was moving the shifter, there was no movement or "slop" in the linkage or detent. All of my slop is on that (ugly) orange piece that I drew the red arrow on.

Gotcha, See if this thread helps any.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=376087

Read the whole thread but in post #13 there are 2 handles pictured, one has a small rubber grommet/bushing on the end of it and on the other one it is missing. That could make it sloppy if yours is missing.

LockDoc

bs46488 · 02-09-2016, 04:04 PM

I pulled my lever last night. There is a ball on it. No bushing.

Once I put it back in, things got a little worse. It will just shift through the gears, no need to pull the handle towards me anymore.

I guess I'll replace the bushing and clean/lube things up a little bit and see what happens.

swamp rat · 02-09-2016, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LockDoc

Gotcha, See if this thread helps any.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=651416

Read the whole thread but in post #13 there are 2 handles pictured, one has a small rubber grommet/bushing on the end of it and on the other one it is missing. That could make it sloppy if yours is missing.

LockDoc

Wrong linky??

bs46488 · 02-10-2016, 12:52 PM

I believe he meant this one:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=376087

Mrturner1 · 02-10-2016, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bs46488

I believe he meant this one:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=376087

This one doesn't work

**LockDoc** · 02-10-2016, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swamp rat

Wrong linky??

Quote:

Originally Posted by bs46488

I believe he meant this one:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=376087

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrturner1

This one doesn't work

Sorry guys.

That's what I get for not checking my link after I posted it....

I fixed it.

LockDoc

**LEEVON** · 02-10-2016, 03:46 PM

I recently rebuilt a '71 auto column and put it in a different truck. One thing I did to increase the "feel" of the column was to re-build the detent area on the lower column. This is the area in LockDoc's picture where the arrow is pointing. The bump wears down with time to almost nothing. I prepped and welded the bump until it was built back up, then shaped it correctly. All the other linkages, etc. are new and with this improvement the column feels factory. Hope that helps.

89AKurt · 02-11-2016, 03:13 AM

Subscribed for someday project.
No bushing kits?

bs46488 · 02-11-2016, 02:13 PM

Updated the link Leon was posting...

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=376087

**LockDoc** · 02-11-2016, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bs46488

Updated the link Leon was posting...

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=376087

Thanks for lookin' out.

LockDoc

02-08-2016, 01:44 AM	#2
Canuckvetter How did I get this OLD! Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Lamont County, AB, CANADA Posts: 1,045	Re: TONS of slop in the column shifter Great question. I'm looking for the same answer.

02-08-2016, 02:06 AM	#3
tommy3horse Registered User Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: St. Clair, Missouri Posts: 122	Re: TONS of slop in the column shifter I am subscribed. I can obtain an auto column that is nice and tight for a c-note. Not sure I want to change it out or rob parts, like the shifter cup, etc...? Tom __________________ 1972 GMC C1500 350/350 1965 Mustang 2+2 289 4spd, show-car 1965 Mustang Coupe 289 4spd, stoplight racer 1/2 dozen Wheelhorse Tractors

02-08-2016, 10:04 AM	#4
joeydurango Registered User Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Durango, CO Posts: 827	Re: TONS of slop in the column shifter Consider me sub'd. __________________ 1972 K10 Cheyenne Super \| LWB, fleetside \| 350/350/205 \| KEEPER 1971 K10 Cheyenne \| SWB, fleetside \| LS Swap 5.3/4L60 \| SOLD 1976 Trans Am \| 400/4-spd \| SOLD 1976 Trans Am \| 455/4-spd \| TOTALED

02-08-2016, 11:56 AM	#5
Lanman1972 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Omaha NE Posts: 620	Re: TONS of slop in the column shifter Me too! sub'd

02-08-2016, 12:49 PM	#6
72kool Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: kearney nebraska Posts: 613	Re: TONS of slop in the column shifter sub'd to this. i made sure my linkage was tight and everything i could easily see/access but no luck __________________ 1972 GMC C20 Custom Camper 350/TH350

02-08-2016, 01:29 AM	#1
Mrturner1 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Colfax California Posts: 1,644	TONS of slop in the column shifter I have a 3 speed auto and the column shifter is so sloppy you have to feel for reverse and drive, and good luck finding neutral. Is there a way to have a nice tight shift on an old column? If so how do I do it?

02-08-2016, 12:52 PM	#7
Gromit Registered User Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Central Coast, CA Posts: 500	Re: TONS of slop in the column shifter Me too..

02-08-2016, 01:11 PM	#8
snipescastle2 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: WARRENSBURG,MISSOURI,64093 Posts: 1,518	Re: TONS of slop in the column shifter There are several bushings between the column shifter, shifter to rod, rod to transmission bell crank. I found that the bell crank that mounts on the chassis, and connects to the transmission shift lever, had major wear on these pieces. I got an assortment of bronze bushings ( mine were from my work) but most parts houses should have them. I took the bushing that fit the pivot pin (part of the bracket that bolts to your chassis) and then I drilled the hole in the corresponding piece that slides on the pivot (part that attaches to the transmission lever) until it was a snug fit for the bushing to stay put. That firmed up that play, next, my shifter rod had a huge portion of the pin that fits inside a nylon or rubber bushing that fits in the bell crank (piece that ties the column shifter rod to the transmission lever) well, you can either try and weld buildup the factory one, or look for a better one at a salvage yard, or make one like I did.take in mind, I have a machine shop at my work, and its easy for me to make small pieces on a metal lathe, which is what I have done for mine. Basically, I measured the inside diameter of the shifter detent plate on the end of the column (under the brake master cylinder/booster) I then made a split bushing sort of looks like a top hat (the smaller diameter fits inside the hole in the shifter detent, (the larger diameter sits on the shoulder of the hole in the detent plate hole) kinda like a side view of an "Oreo Cookie" if you get my meaning. A sandwich bushing that fits in the shifter hole. I made an identical split bushing for the bell crank. Then, I measured the distance between holes of the bushings(with both the transmission in park and shifter in park. This gave me a "ball park" measurement for my shifter rod. I went a little overboard with mine, as I crafted mine out of Stainless Steel tubing and sperical rod ends. I had to tap each end of the tubing for 1/2" -20 NF (right hand and left hand threads) So I could make this adjustable, like a turnbuckle. Once I got it all together, it's plenty solid, and moves very freely, plus no slop! I'll post some pictures later. Ben

02-08-2016, 01:22 PM	#9
kehstr Registered User Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Utah Posts: 750	Re: TONS of slop in the column shifter To find out what is loose you need to have someone try and shift it while you are under the truck seeing what has got the slop in it

02-08-2016, 02:10 PM	#10
bs46488 Registered User Join Date: May 2014 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 547	Re: TONS of slop in the column shifter I think I have a similar problem. I had a buddy shift the truck while I was under it. Nothing moved. Everything was solid and tight. I eventually determined that the extra "slop" is with this part on the column (see pic) and have no clue where to start on how to fix it. Is this the same thing you are seeing?

02-08-2016, 04:54 PM	#11
snipescastle2 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: WARRENSBURG,MISSOURI,64093 Posts: 1,518	Re: TONS of slop in the column shifter that detent plate is supposed to "Ratchet" in between the gears, mine had a groove where the shifter arm rides against it. that is part of the problem, there are adjustments to the lower bearings you can make, as well as loosening the bolts under the dash and pulling the column out (Towards you) that will put more tension against the detent, but if yours is worn out like mine, doubt it will do much good. Ben

02-08-2016, 05:36 PM	#12
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,423	Re: TONS of slop in the column shifter - Here is a picture of the detent plate. If you have a gap between the detent plate and the shifter arm like this, that is probably your problem. This is for a non-tilt only. - The first thing I would do is to spray some PB Blaster, Liquid Wrench, or something similar (not WD-40) into the steering column, where the shift lever goes in. Insert the tube above and below the shift lever. Don't be afraid to give it a good dousing. After you spray it pull the shift lever up toward you and push it back down toward the dash. The knob should move up and down a couple of inches. Do this 4 or 5 times. This will help free up any sticking in the shift lever tube so the detent will do its job. Be sure and spray the bottom of the tube where the shifter arm is also. The reason the shift lever moves up and down is because it should be pulled back towards you to shift it into and out of the park position. LockDoc Attached Images __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 - Last edited by LockDoc; 02-08-2016 at 05:47 PM.

02-08-2016, 06:46 PM	#14
bs46488 Registered User Join Date: May 2014 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 547	Re: TONS of slop in the column shifter Leon, Let me correct my problem. My level shifts fine into every gear. I just have a lot of slop in the lever. I meant that when my buddy was moving the shifter, there was no movement or "slop" in the linkage or detent. All of my slop is on that (ugly) orange piece that I drew the red arrow on.

02-09-2016, 04:04 PM	#17
bs46488 Registered User Join Date: May 2014 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 547	Re: TONS of slop in the column shifter I pulled my lever last night. There is a ball on it. No bushing. Once I put it back in, things got a little worse. It will just shift through the gears, no need to pull the handle towards me anymore. I guess I'll replace the bushing and clean/lube things up a little bit and see what happens.

02-10-2016, 12:52 PM	#19
bs46488 Registered User Join Date: May 2014 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 547	Re: TONS of slop in the column shifter I believe he meant this one: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=376087



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02-10-2016, 03:46 PM	#22
LEEVON Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,887	Re: TONS of slop in the column shifter I recently rebuilt a '71 auto column and put it in a different truck. One thing I did to increase the "feel" of the column was to re-build the detent area on the lower column. This is the area in LockDoc's picture where the arrow is pointing. The bump wears down with time to almost nothing. I prepped and welded the bump until it was built back up, then shaped it correctly. All the other linkages, etc. are new and with this improvement the column feels factory. Hope that helps. __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids

02-11-2016, 03:13 AM	#23
89AKurt Registered User Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Prescott Arizona Posts: 621	Re: TONS of slop in the column shifter Subscribed for someday project. No bushing kits? __________________ 1968 Long Bed 2016 Honda Civic Coupe EX-T ticket magnet

02-11-2016, 02:13 PM	#24
bs46488 Registered User Join Date: May 2014 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 547	Re: TONS of slop in the column shifter Updated the link Leon was posting... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=376087

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