shifter problem

[Max-TA]

Just installed a muncie 4 speed in my '67 El Camino. Had to cut the floorboard a bit since the shifter was a bit further back than the original hole...no big deal. But now all I can get is 2 gears, is that due to the adjustments in the linkage? I can't even get it to go side to side like Nuetral. If I disconnect the longest arm on the linkage, I can get Nuetral, but not smoothly. Any advice? Transmission shop or can I adjust it myself? ANy and all advice is appreciated.

[Itoldyouso]

You have got to find dead neutral to start the process. Most floor shifters have a hole drilled through the shifter right below where it pivots. It is usually a quarter inch in diameter and runs clear through both (if 3 speed) or all 3 (if 4 speed) shift levers on the shifter. What you do is disconnect all shift linkage from the shifter and insert either the tool they give you with the shifter, or a 1/4 inch drill bit or long bolt into the holes so that the shift handle is now positioned in absolute neutral. Now you also make sure each of the shift arms on the transmission is also in absolute neutral.

When you are certain you have this accomplished, start adjusting each shift rod, one at a time by turning the adjustable end until it slips into the appropriate hole on the shifter, with no interferance. When all of the shift rods are back into the holes, remove the drill bit and you should have a smooth neutral gate and all of the gears should engage easily.

Don

[Max-TA]

You know, that makes so much sense it's scary. I knew it was something as simple as that...but couldn't make anything of it. Here are some pictures of it and me with the Muncie. Thanks for your help...I'll be working on it tomorrow so I'll let you know how it comes out.

[Max-TA]

By the way...the stick says DUFF, but it's a HURST shifter.

[Itoldyouso]

Yeah, I noticed that. Must be an aftermarket handle? Did you see the 1/4 inch holes I was describing? There will be a portion of the body of the shifter that has the first hole, then the 3 arms will have corresponding holes that will line up perfectly with that hole. When you pass the drill bit into this series of holes it will lock the shifter into absolute neutral. It can't move and get out of adjustment until you remove the drill bit.


Don

[Max-TA]

Don,
Thanks for the info...it worked TOO perfect. Thanks man. Now check this out. I did complete rear brakes, hardware, shoes, drums wheel cylinders...everything. Now I haven't done since...'86-87 maybe...Now, heres my BIG dilema. The drivers side had the long shoe to the front, while the Passenger side had it to the rear...for the life of me I cant remember which way the long brake shoe goes!!! Everything else went flawless. Tomorrow I get my new radiator and I hope to do the front brakes on Sunday. Once again, thanks.

[Itoldyouso]

Short shoe in front, long in back. Glad the shifter alignment worked.


Don

[Max-TA]

HAHA!!! That's how I did it. I knew I was right, man I racked my brain with that one. Thanks again, Don. I'll be working on it on Sunday hopefully get it started and running. I'll keep ya'z posted.