Setting Muncie Linkage to Short Throw W/O Using an Alignment Pin

[Joe C.]

Someone asked me for this offline, so I thought it would be appropriate to reprint my response to the request, here:

"I assume that reverse gear shifts in smoothly, so let's ignore it for the purposes of this procedure. Just leave the reverse lever and rod connected.

Put the transmission in neutral, and make sure that the shifter is centered in the neutral gate (i.e.: shifter can SMOOTHLY access both 1-2 and 3-4 throws without hanging up or feeling "notchy"). This is the most important part, and good placement here mimics what the alignment rod does.......aligning all of the shifter levers on the shifter shaft to the neutral gate. Once you have the shifter in what you feel is a smooth spot in the neutral gate, then either wedge it, tie it, or have an assistant hold it in this position. If your shifter is not badly worn, it should be stiff enough to stay there without too much trouble. Now, confirm that the trans is actually in neutral by pushing the car a few inches.

Set the emergency brake, chock the wheels, and jack up the car. Place jack stands before crawling underneath. Remove the shifter levers from the trans, one at a time............the shifter rods are held in place and must not move. You will now replace the linkage levers using the hole which provides the shorter leverage arm. Place the levers back onto the transmission fork stubs after adjusting the rods to the proper length so that the levers slip onto the fork stubs easily. Do the same for the other lever/rod throw.

Good luck,
Joe Ciaravino"

[Tim S.]

Re: Setting Muncie Linkage to Short Throw W/O Using an Alignment Pin

Great advice! That method probably works better that the alignment pin

[Dennis S.]

Re: Setting Muncie Linkage to Short Throw W/O Using an Alignment Pin

I had to adjust my reverse rod after re-installing the rebuilt trans and shifter and used this procedure. I have been considering going the short-throw route on 1-4 and this is exactly what I planned on doing next week. Thanks for the confirmation...your timing is perfect.