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My 68' four speed shift doesn't seem to be working. Has not since I purchased last summer. The shift linkages were 1/2 attached when I purchased it. I hooked them up based on images I'd found but now the shifter doesn't seem to be doing much of anything. I have some pictures showing how much movement there is. There doesn't seem to be any side movement for going from 2nd to 3rd. Nor for reverse.
There is a bolt in the front and the back of the shifter. I'm guessing those are adjustment. Do those move the shift lever forward and back?
I don't want to pull the gearbox if I can help it. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
You don't need to pull the transmission to remove the shifter. In fact you need to remove the shifter and shifter mounting bracket first to get the trans out.
Looking at your photos, your boot retainer is still there. But the boot is completely missing. Looks like you need a new one. Your shifter looks really cruddy.
Pull it, go through it. Perhaps rebuild it. Lube it. And properly adjust it. One special tool that is easy to make. Lots of threads on here over the years and links already posted above.
Have fun! You Can do it!
Among my many new parts is a new boot. As for the threads it seemed most I looked at were for people needing to pull the gearbox. I actually thought it didn't look too bad for a 56 YO car. Do I need to order a rebuild kit?
I can't tell you if your aftermarket service manual gives you complete step by step instructions on the removal, disassembly, repair and adjustment of your shifter.
I can tell you that the Factory (Genuine GM) manual does. Complete with a lot of photos.
If you don't have a factory service manual that could explain why your asking on here. And I'm certain we all wish to help.
However, it would be really easy to open your manual and just follow the instructions. And it would take a lot of time for me to type it all out. Perhaps someone could take photos of the pages you need.
Here's some samples from my 77 factory manual. Your car should be similar.
Note: locating guage.
this isn't everything of course. But should give you an idea.
Today I disconnected the shift linkages from the gearbox. I am able to shift what appears to be 1st thru 4th. Reverse is still a no go to the left past the alignment for 1st gear. I guess next is to remove it and see if I see anything preventing the shift lever from moving over.
Today I disconnected the shift linkages from the gearbox. I am able to shift what appears to be 1st thru 4th. Reverse is still a no go to the left past the alignment for 1st gear. I guess next is to remove it and see if I see anything preventing the shift lever from moving over.
Reverse gear is non-synchronized so, as it sits now, may be just out of alignment such that it won't go into gear. I wouldn't do anything major until you can start the car and allow the gears to be repositioned to test for further issues. Maybe someone knows how to reposition the gear when the trans isn't rotating by the engine...
I don’t have the rod. The reverse tab appears to be from the interlock setup in yellow. The other two don’t have the adjustment at the gearbox but back by the shifter. Did bubba work on my car?
1968 doesn't use the interlock cable as the ignition lock is on the dash. 1969 - 1982 the ignition lock is steering column mounted and requires the shifter to be put into reverse in order to remove the ignition key.
I don’t have the rod. The reverse tab appears to be from the interlock setup in yellow. The other two don’t have the adjustment at the gearbox but back by the shifter. Did bubba work on my car?
You do know you need to lift the rod to go to reverse right??
Originally Posted by PatM59
I don’t have the rod. The reverse tab appears to be from the interlock setup in yellow. The other two don’t have the adjustment at the gearbox but back by the shifter. Did bubba work on my car?
Not sure you are referring to the rod that 4-vettes is – if you are, then my apologies. There's a reverse "lock-out" in the shifter itself; you have to pull up on the T with your finger tips as you move the shifter into reverse. Doing so pulls up (disengages) the reversing lock rod. The T-handle is visible in the first pic you posted above.
Not sure you are referring to the rod that 4-vettes is – if you are, then my apologies. There's a reverse "lock-out" in the shifter itself; you have to pull up on the T with your finger tips as you move the shifter into reverse. Doing so pulls up (disengages) the reversing lock rod. The T-handle is visible in the first pic you posted above.
A Hurst shift lever will not have a T handle for reverse. You just slap it over to the left and push up for reverse. If the OP has an aftermarket replica shift lever the T lever is non - functional.
Although the owners manual suggests moving the shift lever either into 1st or 3rd gear before moving it into reverse.
Gear shift not working
