Muncie shift linkage question
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,005
Likes: 1,510
From: Prescott Arizona
Zeeker - The first answer is: no, it's not supposed to be bent. As to the set screw, it has to hold the reverse lockout rod in place otherwise, if it was loose and allowed the reverse lockout rod to extend upward, the lower section wouldn't be in place to prevent the shifter from going into reverse when you're trying for first gear. You should be able to flatten the rod and take that bend out and once it's straight again, push the lockout rod downward and tighten the set screw and you're good to go.
Mike T- Prescott AZ
Mike T- Prescott AZ
Last edited by Vet65te; May 20, 2015 at 11:40 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,005
Likes: 1,510
From: Prescott Arizona
Yes. I have about 8K miles on my 66 Coupe since I did a pretty major body-on freshen up back in the early 90's and the other day noticed the shifter was feeling very sloppy and when going to first gear, found it was real easy to slide into reverse. Got it home and when I pulled the reverse T-handle, saw the rod had slipped upwards about a half inch, just enough to not provide adequate blocking so the shifter slid right into reverse. Pushed it down, used the right size Allen wrench and tightened it up, no problems since.
Mike T - Prescott AZ
Mike T - Prescott AZ
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 38,897
Likes: 1,926
From: Washington Michigan
Here's what's at the bottom of the rod, and you can see how it locks out lateral movement of the shift lever into the reverse gate unless the rod is raised clear by the "T"-handle. 
