71 Muncie Shifter Problem

[David G.]

We have reinstalled transission after replacing flywheel and clutch after they continually froze together. My Muncie 4 speed shifter will move freely from reverse to neutral but will not move to 1st,2nd,3rd,4th. The shift linkage was never removed from the shifter during transmission removal. I assumed ir was a linkage adjustment issue. However I disconnected each rod from transmission one at a time to see if I could determine which rod out of adj. and causing bind. With all rods disconnected from transmission the shifter will still not move other than reverse to neutral and back again. Key switch is unlocked position on stering column. No problem with shifter prior to removal for clutch job. Thanks

[Gene M.]

Re: 71 Muncie Shifter Problem

Dave, with the sheet metal gauge inserted in the shifter to position everything in neutral the gauge should just slide in with all linkage all assembled and tightened.

Nothing will work with out this alignment first unless you are very lucky.

The gauge dimensions have been talked about previous posts. Its about 5/8 wide plus a little and 1/16 thickness sheet metal.

[Roger O.]

Re: 71 Muncie Shifter Problem

David , inside the shifter is a post that slides through the neutral gate and moves each of the shift levers. It sounds like you have gotten the post outside the neutral gate.You will have to move the center shift lever neutral gate in position so the post can slide over and in. Once you get the post back in the neutral gate you should be OK.
Then you will most likely have to use the sheet metal tool to align the shifter. If you need I have a pic of how to make the tool.

[David G.]

Re: 71 Muncie Shifter Problem

Roger , if you are talking about the post inside the shifter with the spring underneath, I probably did not install this when the car was in neutral. It was probably in reversve with steering column locked when I reinstalled console and shifter. Sounds like I need to remove, put car in neutral and reintstall spring, inner post, and knob. Hopefully I havent damage shaft inside post.I started the moring with a Chiltons Manual to adjust shift linkage. It does not contain good diagram/photo of where this alignment tool is supposed to fit. Any ideas where to see a digram for somebody that has not done this? I have searched previous threads but haven't come across a good visual. Thanks for taking time to help
Dave

[Roger O.]

Re: 71 Muncie Shifter Problem

David,
The post or lever I'm talking about is the lower end of the shift lever , not the reverse lockout rod and tiny spring.
The reverse rod and tiny spring come out the top of the shifter from under the shift knob, this is not what I'm referring to.

What I'm talking about is on the opposite end of the shifter arm from the shift knob. ( I'm going to try and find a picture to help. )
The part I'm talking about is only about an inch long and when you slide the sheet metal alignment tool in , the tool will slide under this post or lever.
I know this is confusing , if I have an old shifter around I'll see if I can take a picture.
When this post or lever comes out of the 3 levers in the shifter it will pretty much lock you out of the neutral gate.
You will have to get under the car remove the forward levers from the "transmission" and then try to position the levers in the "shifter" to allow the post to go back into the neutral gate so it can pickup all the gears.
Roger

[Edward J.]

Re: 71 Muncie Shifter Problem

Dave. in the AIM there is a pic. of detailing adjustment procedure. showing just how the gage works.

[Roger O.]

Re: 71 Muncie Shifter Problem

David,
I had a couple Hurst shifters but no Muncie's so I found this picture and drew in the post or lever I'm talking about in red.
I believe in your case the red lever is out of the neutral gate. You will have to move the center lever into a position so the red lever can slide over into the neutral gate in the center lever, then move all levers into the neutral position,insert the tool and set your levers. Hope this helps.
Roger

[David G.]

Re: 71 Muncie Shifter Problem

Thanks everybody, especially Roger for taking time to post photo. Car is on lift so hopefully this can be done without yanking tranny out again.

[Alan S.]

Re: 71 Muncie Shifter Problem

Hi David,
Here's a picture of the 'gage' diagram from the CSM that Gene, Roger, and Edward have mentioned.
Since I'm 'metal impaired' I made one from a stiff white plastic paint scraper. The shifter mechanism didn't seem to notice the difference.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan

[John H.]

Re: 71 Muncie Shifter Problem

David -

Here's a photo of the slot the gage fits into - it aligns the 1-2, 3-4, and reverse levers across the neutral gate to the housing.

[David G.]

Re: 71 Muncie Shifter Problem

You guys are great. Photos help us weekend warriors tremendously.