4 speed shifting problems
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 405
Likes: 31
From: Houston, Texas
4 speed shifting problems
Today while driving my 72 the shift lever started acting up. When in 1 or 3 the car would stay in gear, but the shift lever would spring back to neutral position. It was also a little difficult to get into 2 or 4 as well as reverse.
I am guessing the linkage needs adjusting and if so can this be done while the car in on a lift, or do I need to work on the shifter from he inside.
Where do I start my search to solve.
Thank you.
I am guessing the linkage needs adjusting and if so can this be done while the car in on a lift, or do I need to work on the shifter from he inside.
Where do I start my search to solve.
Thank you.
Terrorizing Orange Cones
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,572
Likes: 17
From: Northern CO
If the car hasn't had any recent activity or maintenance regarding the shifter or transmission, then the shift levers may simply need adjusting.
The OEM shifter is not bolted to the transmission; it is mounted to a separate plate that is bolted to the transmission crossmember.
Here's some photo's of the unit out of the car:
The shifter can be adjusted from under the car and the use of a lift makes accessing the components easier. Find the appropriate service manual for the procedure to perform. This is a good time to check that all the associated fasteners are secure (loose or missing).
Hope this helps offer some visual information on what to look for.
The OEM shifter is not bolted to the transmission; it is mounted to a separate plate that is bolted to the transmission crossmember.
Here's some photo's of the unit out of the car:
The shifter can be adjusted from under the car and the use of a lift makes accessing the components easier. Find the appropriate service manual for the procedure to perform. This is a good time to check that all the associated fasteners are secure (loose or missing).
Hope this helps offer some visual information on what to look for.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,315
Likes: 4,418
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi M,
Both the Assembly Instruction Manual and the Chassis Service Manual have a section on adjusting both the shifter mechanism and the transmission linkage.
It's pretty straight forward.
Adjusting the shifter requires a little tool that's described in the CSM and is easy to make out of a plastic paint scraper.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
Both the Assembly Instruction Manual and the Chassis Service Manual have a section on adjusting both the shifter mechanism and the transmission linkage.
It's pretty straight forward.
Adjusting the shifter requires a little tool that's described in the CSM and is easy to make out of a plastic paint scraper.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 405
Likes: 31
From: Houston, Texas
If the car hasn't had any recent activity or maintenance regarding the shifter or transmission, then the shift levers may simply need adjusting.
The OEM shifter is not bolted to the transmission; it is mounted to a separate plate that is bolted to the transmission crossmember.
Here's some photo's of the unit out of the car:
The shifter can be adjusted from under the car and the use of a lift makes accessing the components easier. Find the appropriate service manual for the procedure to perform. This is a good time to check that all the associated fasteners are secure (loose or missing).
Hope this helps offer some visual information on what to look for.
The OEM shifter is not bolted to the transmission; it is mounted to a separate plate that is bolted to the transmission crossmember.
Here's some photo's of the unit out of the car:
The shifter can be adjusted from under the car and the use of a lift makes accessing the components easier. Find the appropriate service manual for the procedure to perform. This is a good time to check that all the associated fasteners are secure (loose or missing).
Hope this helps offer some visual information on what to look for.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 405
Likes: 31
From: Houston, Texas
Hi M,
Both the Assembly Instruction Manual and the Chassis Service Manual have a section on adjusting both the shifter mechanism and the transmission linkage.
It's pretty straight forward.
Adjusting the shifter requires a little tool that's described in the CSM and is easy to make out of a plastic paint scraper.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
Both the Assembly Instruction Manual and the Chassis Service Manual have a section on adjusting both the shifter mechanism and the transmission linkage.
It's pretty straight forward.
Adjusting the shifter requires a little tool that's described in the CSM and is easy to make out of a plastic paint scraper.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,435
Likes: 793
From: Redondo Beach, California
When I removed the shifter mechanism from my low mileage 68 (47,000?), the mechanism was encapsulated in a ball of grease that had partially turned to varnish and sand mixed in with the hardened/oxidized grease. I was surprised to discover how much the sand had ground down the interior mechanisms of the shifter. I ordered all new shifter parts from Volunteer Vett and rebuilt the shifter..it was easy and actually a fun thing. If I hadn't done this, just cleaned it up, it would have been very sloppy to shift. The parts are relatively cheap and easy to replace. I'd advise rebuilding your shifter by yourself. No special tools are required. Just be careful taking it apart!!!!When you take it apart, you have to pay attention to how everything fits so you can put it back together!!
BTW..the 68 shifter rods are different than the 69 and up rods.
BTW..the 68 shifter rods are different than the 69 and up rods.
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Racer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 362
Likes: 11
From: MARSHALLVILLE OHIO
I had just had my car a couple of hours and went to an all Vette show. The four speed shifted like crap. Pulled in to the lot an GRRRRINDDD very embarrassing. I do know how drive a standard my DD is a five speed (I'm always looking for 5th in the Vette), bottom line I had it cleaned during the fluid changes works great now.
Terrorizing Orange Cones
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,572
Likes: 17
From: Northern CO
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 405
Likes: 31
From: Houston, Texas
I ended up taking my car to a repair shop I know in my area who has worked on it before. I did not get a chance to talk to the guy who did the work (probably stop by next week with a case of beer for him), but was told that everything was loose. They cleaned up the shifter and without any new parts put is all back together and it now shifts better than it ever has in the 14 years I have owned it. Sorry to not have more detailed information, but I did at least want to follow up on what the fix was.
Terrorizing Orange Cones
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,572
Likes: 17
From: Northern CO
Great to hear the news. Sounds like the best of all worlds: shifter is positive and tight, didn't require anything more than tightening of hardware and proper adjustment.
Carry on and enjoy.
Carry on and enjoy.
