abdo

My '57 has a Muncie 4 speed transmission that was rebuilt a few years ago. I purchased a new stock shifter and shifter rods. I installed it using the gauge block and for several years it worked fine.
Occasionally, when stopped at a light it does not want to shift into first. I usually have to shift it into one of the other gears (with the clutch in) before I can shift it into first.
Do I need to readjust the linkage or is there some way to lubricate the linkage?
This only happens occasionally but it is a bit aggravating. Other than that, the transmission works OK.

63split63

If you have a prob shifting into first while stopped it is likely the clutch not fully dis engaging . Take out a little free play and see if it is better .

Bill

MikeM

I won't speculate what your problem is but I don't believe it to be a shifter problem.

FFBillysCor

Look for the easiest solutions first. Start with linkage, proper adjustment is first step. Examine all components for wear, such as round holes where rods attach that are now oval shaped resulting in excess play. It is possible your shifter may need attention, age use and lack of lubrication may cause gradual wear = difficult shifting. Good luck. Best...

SupremeDeluxe

It's a tight synchro ring on first gear. Try downshifting to first as you are approaching a stop, to facilitate breaking in of the blocking ring to the gear cone.

jusplainwacky

I have a Muncie tranny and shifter, and it's essential that all the plates in your shifter are aligned FIRST before you align the linkage to the tranny. Being slightly off can cause exactly what you are experiencing.
I would first check this by putting the tranny in neutral and remove all the linkage. Make sure your levers are fully engaged after the linage is off. Then with the shifter in neutral, ensure that all the plates are aligned by sticking a metal rod through the alignment hole in the shifter. I just happen to have a stick welding rod that fit and I could bend to check the alignment.

abdo

Thanks for all of your suggestions. The car is in winter storage now so I can look at the linkage and the clutch adjustments.
SupremeDeluxe: I will remember to try your tip this next spring when I take it out for the first drive. The transmission does not have many miles since a rebuild by a reputable shop. I know it did not cause me any problems when I first used it. Only have I experienced it recently.

jusplainwacky

BTW...make sure none of the bolts on your tranny have come lose and your tranny has moved causing linkage alignment issues.

MikeM

This method will probably work for you.

If you're stopped and the transmission will go into second gear but not first, I don't see how you have linkage problem. I'd believe it to be a synchronizer issue that may clear itself with miles.

jusplainwacky

I had a linkage problem going from 1st to second (just the opposite). It felt like there was something blocking the shifter moving into that position and it had nothing to do with the synchro. It's a lot easier to first check the linkage then ripping your transmission apart.

Dan Hampton

You might check the side cover to see if there are any issues with your interlock system that is preventing it from going into first. At first blush, I wonder if you aren't missing or have a broken clutch key (one of three) on your first gear synchro unit. That will always manifest itself in a non shift into a gear.