Question on adjusting the shifter on a 69 4spd

[Michael L.]

Guys,

I'm adjusting the shifter on my 69 350/350 4spd. I made the .641 width adjusting cage as per the AIM and I'm trying to install it but I'm having difficulty. I've shaved it down just a little but it still won't go. Is it supposed to go through all three of the shifter levers, including the reverse? I can get it into the first two, sort of, but not the third. Also, while it readily goes thru the first lever the second one is much fussier and there is lots of slop in the lever with the cage in. It doesn't seem like there could be any accuracy in the shifter adjustments this way. I have the body off so this should be much easier than usual but It's a real struggle. Any tips?

Mike

[Mike M.]

Re: Question on adjusting the shifter on a 69 4spd

if u haven't remove the shift rods from the 3 TRANSMISSION shift levers(to allow the 1-2, 3-4, and reverse SHIFT levers free to move as you insert the gauge. mike

[Michael L.]

Re: Question on adjusting the shifter on a 69 4spd

Thanks Mike I did remove the rods prior to starting. I have since been able to get the cage inserted after shaving down the height and I've adjusted the rods according to the AIM. It feels like the shifter is moving nicely, but it wont move any of the shift levers, its getting stuck. prior to attaching the rods I could get the 3/4 lever to move by hand but not the 1/2 lever. I figured that it was just the way the gears were lined up in the tranny but now that neither of them is moving I'm not sure. Is this something that will just go away when the car is running and the tranny is spinning or do I need to re-do what I've done? I followed the AIM inst to the letter so don't think it is related to how I adjusted it but can't be certain. Any advice?

[Richard G.]

Re: Question on adjusting the shifter on a 69 4spd

Sometimes the pin is worn.
Pictured below;

What you can't see it the base (where it is setting on the paper) wears out. It has a funny taper on the base that shouldn't be there.
The side you can see in the picture looks pretty normal. I wish I would have taken a picture from the other side but this is the only one I have.

I made the replacement one the left. This shifter (1969 I believe) would stick between gears.
If you take the linkage apart you can inspect this part, and the rest of the shifter, for wear.

[Michael L.]

Re: Question on adjusting the shifter on a 69 4spd

Thanks Richard,

Where does that pin go? I had both the shifter and tranny rebuilt by David's 4spds who does a top notch job on trans rebuild/resto. Prior to attaching the shifter to the tranny the shifter shifted like butter. The hang up is clearly in the tranny and I'm thinking its the synchros or something not being quite lined up and that this will disappear once the car is running but I'm just not sure. I guess it's academic because I'm not going to take the tranny out or anything at this time. I guess I was fishing for someone to provide me reassurance that the tranny is just fine and will not be a problem but nobody is helping me out! LOL.

Mike

[Stephen L.]

Re: Question on adjusting the shifter on a 69 4spd

A few thoughts..... some simple stuff... Are the shifter "arms" on the transmission in the correct positions? (See photo...) Did you make sure the gears are all in neutral position before adjusting the shift rod lengths? Can you place all shifter arms in neutral and then rotate the output tail shaft? Does each shifter arm work smoothly into gear one at a time?

[Michael L.]

Re: Question on adjusting the shifter on a 69 4spd

Yes the arms were all placed in neutral and the car was easy to roll. No the shifter arms do not work smoothly into gear currently. Again, I'm thinking that this is because the syncro's are not aligned or something, like when you try to put your car in reverse but cant unless you let off the clutch briefly to re-align the syncros, or put it into second then reverse. I've also not yet put the gear oil in and thinking that may smooth it out. If I'm thinking its the syncros is there a way I can get them to move a little to see if it helps things? Would turning the motor at the balancer help?

Mike

[Richard G.]

Re: Question on adjusting the shifter on a 69 4spd

The pin is part of the linkage not the transmission.

FYIO Reverse gear does not have any synchronization. It just one gear sliding on a shaft that engages with another. If reverse will not engage it's because the auto stopped with the teeth lined up. A little movement from letting out the clutch allows the gear to rotate enough for the gears to engage. Years ago it was common to only have 2 and 3rd synchros. (On a 3 speed transmission) One had to come to almost a complete stop, for this reason, before engaging 1st gear.

[David B.]

Re: Question on adjusting the shifter on a 69 4spd

Have been reading this thread with some interest and I am a little surprised no one has inquired as to what the metallic tag (lower case cover bolt) reads. Since the trans (and shifter?) recently underwent a complete rebuild it is possible an incorrect part for this particular 4 speed assembly was installed. Looking at a Transmission & Extension Assembly blueprint chart dated 1-6-67 there is at least 20 different 4 speed assemblies listed each with a slightly different variation of internal parts and external levers. Do not have a '69 Trans. & Extension Chart handy but suspect it has at least as many if not more 4 speed variations. The often misunderstood and neglected metallic tag is "super" important since the transmission assembly # stamped into it will define what levers and parts are inside that particular assembly. I am not saying this is the problem but would suggest starting with the basic assembly # on the tag possibly checking with your rebuilder on what parts if any he might have replaced. If the tag was missing, chances are your trans was rebuilt earlier and who knows what parts might have been used. Your rebuilder could be right on but you might be attempting to utilize a prior rebuild shifter adjustment. The above comments are merely a suggestion.

[Michael L.]

Re: Question on adjusting the shifter on a 69 4spd

I just spoke to the rebuilder who thinks one of the synchro rings is hung up. I haven't added the oil yet so I'm going to do that and he said try rolling the car back and forth some to move thing around in there and see if that frees it up. If not he said I'll need to remove the side cover and unstick it with a little screwdriver. He thinks since it sat for so long (I had it rebuilt a couple of years ago) without being used and with no oil in it it got a little sticky in there. I'll let you know how it goes.