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Not sure why you are ordering anything since the problem is in all likelihood loose bolts.
That's what I would look at first along with any missing g-clips or worn out rod ends. But if that is the original shifter then it's probably safe to say it's never been rebuilt and needs a freshen-up. After I rebuilt mine it was like night and day shifting. So much better after all the slop is gone. Also make sure the bracket that holds the shifter is tight. Check transmission mount as well.
Not sure why you are ordering anything since the problem is in all likelihood loose bolts.
simplest answer is if im going to be under the car and removing linkage rods for even adjustments its worth the $100 to replace any bushings in the system or at least have them if needed...
I just installed an electric headlight kit and replaced the bushings while I was in there, not sure if thats right or wrong just always thought that way for the $100
I am going to try to get the car in the air this afternoon to take a look.
simplest answer is if im going to be under the car and removing linkage rods for even adjustments its worth the $100 to replace any bushings in the system or at least have them if needed...
I just installed an electric headlight kit and replaced the bushings while I was in there, not sure if thats right or wrong just always thought that way for the $100
I am going to try to get the car in the air this afternoon to take a look.
fare enough and its been the linkage I've been questioning... I will take it apart before ordering anything.
what's the purpose of both the linkage an/or shifter rebuild kits? Just wear?
fare enough and its been the linkage I've been questioning... I will take it apart before ordering anything.
what's the purpose of both the linkage an/or shifter rebuild kits? Just wear?
Yes, just wear but if you have had no prior issues, I know I'm repeating myself, just check for loose bolts nothing to really take apart.
Yes, just wear but if you have had no prior issues, I know I'm repeating myself, just check for loose bolts nothing to really take apart.
thanks... thats what I will do when I get under it before ordering anything, only prior issue is again a little more effort getting into reverse but always shifted well
thanks... thats what I will do when I get under it before ordering anything, only prior issue is again a little more effort getting into reverse but always shifted well
Are you aware before selecting reverse you should select a forward gear due to lack of synchros in reverse. I know it's covered in the owners manual in 69 and probably other years.
Are you aware before selecting reverse you should select a forward gear due to lack of synchros in reverse. I know it's covered in the owners manual in 69 and probably other years.
yes I always go from first to reverse, it goes into reverse easier when I do.
I got under the car and moved the forward gear lever back to neutral... was stuck in 3rd.
I took the car for a ride and and was shifting OK for a bit but hard to downshift into 1st and 2nd... then it locked up again in third with no shifting ability at the shifter, drove home in 3rd.
there were no loose bolts at the shift levers nor the shifter.
I am assuming this is an issue within the shifter and/or linkage and not the transmission itself.
yes I always go from first to reverse, it goes into reverse easier when I do.
I got under the car and moved the forward gear lever back to neutral... was stuck in 3rd. I took the car for a ride and and was shifting OK for a bit but hard to downshift into 1st and 2nd... then it locked up again in third with no shifting ability at the shifter, drove home in 3rd.
there were no loose bolts at the shift levers nor the shifter.
I am assuming this is an issue within the shifter and/or linkage and not the transmission itself.
This is EXACTLY what happened to me but I got stuck in second. I'd say take your shifter out, rebuild and lube it up with some dry lube.
This is EXACTLY what happened to me but I got stuck in second. I'd say take your shifter out, rebuild and lube it up with some dry lube.
thanks and exactly what im doing... I just ordered both the shifter rebuild and linkage kit just to have them available for any worn parts, can't imagine taking it all out and not having any needed items.
Took the top side apart last night and will get under the car when I get back from a few days of travel.
Do you have a lift or doing it on jack stands? I'm poor so I do all my underwork on stands. Get it as high as you can of course that goes without saying . It took me a day to get it out and lube up and the next morning to put it back in. Don't forget to set it up for quick throw if you want. When you install the rods with the shifter in place and the index tool installed adjust the ends to the lower holes in the lever bolted to the side of the gearbox instead of the ones shown in the adjustment procedure I posted. It's the same procedure just use the other holes. The hard part is getting the index tool in and out. Also make sure this tool goes all the way through the gate. You'll see what I'm talking about when you get it apart.
And don't forget to check the shifter bracket bolts and transmission mount. Since the shifter is not mounted on the side of the transmission if the drivetrain shifts it could cause a bind in the linkage. Probably not your issue but put a wrench on them while you're down there.
Let us know what you find.
Do you have a lift or doing it on jack stands? I'm poor so I do all my underwork on stands. Get it as high as you can of course that goes without saying . It took me a day to get it out and lube up and the next morning to put it back in. Don't forget to set it up for quick throw if you want. When you install the rods with the shifter in place and the index tool installed adjust the ends to the lower holes in the lever bolted to the side of the gearbox instead of the ones shown in the adjustment procedure I posted. It's the same procedure just use the other holes. The hard part is getting the index tool in and out. Also make sure this tool goes all the way through the gate. You'll see what I'm talking about when you get it apart.
And don't forget to check the shifter bracket bolts and transmission mount. Since the shifter is not mounted on the side of the transmission if the drivetrain shifts it could cause a bind in the linkage. Probably not your issue but put a wrench on them while you're down there.
Let us know what you find.
perfect and thank you... I will be doing it on Jack stands on my back, I recently exchanged a th350c out for a 2004r in an 80 I had by myself on my back so this should be easier in comparison.
I have side pipes so no exhaust to move and will remove trans mount to give more room.
The original shifters in any chevrolet were marginal when they were new.Save yourself a lot of aggravation and get a hurst.Same process though with any shifter make sure trans is in neutral the shifter gates in neutral connect up make sure trans levers are tight..Chances are though that shifter is just worn out.
When my shifter went wonky, it was the threaded holes in the shifter mounting bracket. They had stripped as they aren't nuts, they are just threaded into the 1/8 thick bracket material.
I welded actual nuts to the bracket and now everything is nice and tight.
Notice the threaded holes in the bracket image I found, they strip easily.
Thanks gentlemen... I will start taking the underside apart Thursday when I get back home.
I suspect the binding is in the 1st/2nd side as I can move the 3rd/4th lever fairly easy from the underside with rods connected but not the 1st/2nd
Just an update... I removed my old shifter, pretty straight forward 2 hour job all in, taking it out I could definitely see it was loose and sloppy with lots of play and space between the gates.
I got fortunate looking on offer up and found a 72 shifter assembly advertised as "rebuilt" I went and looked at it and tight as can be... got it for $100
I will install the new one tomorrow.
Quick question... I made a gauge for lining up the gates... the linkage holes do not line up correct?
Last edited by Golfobsessed; Feb 20, 2026 at 02:55 PM.
Just an update... I removed my old shifter, pretty straight forward 2 hour job all in, taking it out I could definitely see it was loose and sloppy with lots of play and space between the gates.
I got fortunate looking on offer up and found a 72 shifter assembly advertised as "rebuilt" I went and looked at it and tight as can be... got it for $100
I will install the new one tomorrow.
Quick question... I made a gauge for lining up the gates... the linkage holes do not line up correct?
Look at the diagram in this link to make sure all 4 levers were reinstalled correctly and none are reversed. Shifter
Look at the diagram in this link to make sure all 4 levers were reinstalled correctly and none are reversed. Shifter
thanks for sending me that... the levers are all correct to that diagram and interesting enough now that im looking at that compared to this new one and old one... my old shifter doesn't have the reverse lock out spacer plate between the reverse lever and the 1st/2nd gear lever
The guage does go through all and locks all levers together as well as in place
Thanks for all the help everyone, had dirty cloths on so just went ahead and installed the new shifter... I put some paint stripes across the bottom of the gates and housing with the gauge in so made it easy to line up and put the gauge back in after the install. I will attach the rods to the trans levers tomorrow but got them pretty close to lined up... couple small adjustments.
Last edited by Golfobsessed; Feb 20, 2026 at 05:36 PM.
These notches pretty much line up when the gauge is installed. Good visual indication when lying on your back.
And just looking at your picture it appears that two of the plate looks bent to me.
. It took me a day to get it out and lube up and the next morning to put it back in. Don't forget to set it up for quick throw if you want. When you install the rods with the shifter in place and the index tool installed adjust the ends to the lower holes in the lever bolted to the side of the gearbox instead of the ones shown in the adjustment procedure I posted. It's the same procedure just use the other holes. The hard part is getting the index tool in and out. Also make sure this tool goes all the way through the gate. You'll see what I'm talking about when you get it apart. 
