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Hey guys, I’m brand new to the forum, I just bought this car a couple weeks ago. A ton of sentimental value.
The issue I am having is that 1. The shifter wiggles a LOT in gear, but now it’s as if the gears are ever moving. Not only that but it’s like I can shift BETWEEN the gears. Let the clutch out sometimes and a grinding noise. Wiggle around neutral again, slap it into gear and boom it’s fine again. It’s also weird because it’s so hard to tell when I’m in neutral due to that play in the shifter. Thanks a lot everyone, I appreciate any input. From what I can tell this is the original transmission and shifter from 1979.
Believe it or not. But the shifter and the shifter mounting bracket have to come out BEFORE you can pull the trans.
Start by getting underneath and checking the rods and levers on the trans they mount to.
Check the 2 bolts that mount the shifter to the bracket. Sometimes one or both come loose. One is easy to get to from underneath the car. The other through the top. Yes you may wish to pull apart your center console. Which is actually easy.
If those 2 mounting bolts are tight. The levers on the side of the trans are tight. Then I would pull the shifter and rebuild it.
Kits available from all the major vendors.
Yes you need to get underneath and on top. No you don't need to pull the transmission.
here is your 79 4sp (mine M21 close ratio not sure it matters).
skip to post 60 ish for alignment.
also be sure bracket did not come loose , inspect for bushings in linkages..
use that half moon as final inspection for alignment. the tool you make can work as well but i used visual half moons that seem to be more accurate than the alignment tool i built.
good luck keep posted and take many pics!. also sometimes nice to have someone shift around while you inspect for off stuff..
No you don't need to remove transmission for linkage but if you do want to start at post 1
also check clutch adjustment below https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ispreloading=1
Believe it or not. But the shifter and the shifter mounting bracket have to come out BEFORE you can pull the trans.
Start by getting underneath and checking the rods and levers on the trans they mount to.
Check the 2 bolts that mount the shifter to the bracket. Sometimes one or both come loose. One is easy to get to from underneath the car. The other through the top. Yes you may wish to pull apart your center console. Which is actually easy.
If those 2 mounting bolts are tight. The levers on the side of the trans are tight. Then I would pull the shifter and rebuild it.
Kits available from all the major vendors.
Yes you need to get underneath and on top. No you don't need to pull the transmission.
thank you so much! I will get to work on this Friday.
here is your 79 4sp (mine M21 close ratio not sure it matters).
skip to post 60 ish for alignment.
also be sure bracket did not come loose , inspect for bushings in linkages..
use that half moon as final inspection for alignment. the tool you make can work as well but i used visual half moons that seem to be more accurate than the alignment tool i built.
good luck keep posted and take many pics!. also sometimes nice to have someone shift around while you inspect for off stuff..
No you don't need to remove transmission for linkage but if you do want to start at post 1
also check clutch adjustment below https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ispreloading=1
You are a hero! I am going to get started on Friday!!
no hero LOL!!..
just someone who documents all the help i got from the great folks on this forum.
sentimental value is very cool..and sounds like you will be keeping and driving!
may I suggest..to the safe driving part..
- post some pics of your ride!
many time people can see things that may help them help you. Such as details pics of your linkage, engine etc.. even YouTube vids where appropriate.
- what are you plans next? fixing while driving is in fact a plan with these cars lol...something will need attention..
Again do not be afraid to post separate threads or ask questions as you go. Without this forum and help and time i received, i could not afford to drive my car..
Ensure that the shifter rods are held on using the special “GM Clips” ( I can remember the correct name). My 73 had cotter pins so I replaced them with the correct clips, I want to say they are called “D Clips” (all the Corvette Vendors sell them as they are used in other places). Good Luck, welcome to the Hobby.
From: SUFFIELD CT USA 2023 C8 CORVETTE UN-MODIFIED FINALIST
2023 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
If you push your clutch pedal down by hand how much freeplay do you have, should be about an inch. Clutch adjustment takes about 5 mi. and they already sent you the instructions above. If your clutch is way out of adjustment messing with the shifter will be fruitless. Do the part that takes 5 minutes first !
If you push your clutch pedal down by hand how much freeplay do you have, should be about an inch. Clutch adjustment takes about 5 mi. and they already sent you the instructions above. If your clutch is way out of adjustment messing with the shifter will be fruitless. Do the part that takes 5 minutes first !
Good news (I hope) there is ZERO play. The second you touch the clutch pedal it is pushing right back. No side to side jiggle as well. So far linkage seems to be the consensus. What’re your thoughts?
From: SUFFIELD CT USA 2023 C8 CORVETTE UN-MODIFIED FINALIST
2023 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Originally Posted by ChristianE1
Good news (I hope) there is ZERO play. The second you touch the clutch pedal it is pushing right back. No side to side jiggle as well. So far linkage seems to be the consensus. What’re your thoughts?
You can adjust your clutch in 5 minutes with 1 tool I think it's a 9/16 wrench. You can then see if it helps your other issues
If not at least you eliminated 1 thing !
Good news (I hope) there is ZERO play. The second you touch the clutch pedal it is pushing right back. No side to side jiggle as well. So far linkage seems to be the consensus. What’re your thoughts?
Not good news. You want about 1" up and down free play using finger pressure on the pedal pad. Just use a tape measure. The assembly manual picture posted above shows how to adjust it. Too tight without any free play will cause clutch slippage, overheat your clutch, cause permanant heat warpage then you to need an entire clutch replacement.
1979 4spd difficulty shifting
