Shifter linkage issues
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,796
Likes: 937
From: Arizona
Shifter linkage issues
Hello all, I believe I have shifter linkage issues but would like to ask the group for next steps.
Been driving the 70 L46 4 speed weekly for about 4-5 months now with no shitfing issues... sometimes in the morning a little tougher to get into reverse but maybe just a little extra effort than the other gears, shifts great, good release point and about 1" of pedal free travel.
this morning I jumped in to go to the gym and as I was getting close to the parking lot I noticed I couldn't shift... shifter would move around in neutral but wouldn't physically shift into any gear... the car was still in a forward gear and I was able to pull into the parking lot.
I pulled into a spot and started the car several times but still no shifting into any gear... oddly enough I could shift the shifter into reverse but trans was still in forward gear.
I was fortunate enough that I wasn't in first gear and was able to drive home a few miles away no problems in the same gear (3rd)
Is this a shifter linkage issue? Would this indicate I need to rebuild the shifter/linkage?
Been driving the 70 L46 4 speed weekly for about 4-5 months now with no shitfing issues... sometimes in the morning a little tougher to get into reverse but maybe just a little extra effort than the other gears, shifts great, good release point and about 1" of pedal free travel.
this morning I jumped in to go to the gym and as I was getting close to the parking lot I noticed I couldn't shift... shifter would move around in neutral but wouldn't physically shift into any gear... the car was still in a forward gear and I was able to pull into the parking lot.
I pulled into a spot and started the car several times but still no shifting into any gear... oddly enough I could shift the shifter into reverse but trans was still in forward gear.
I was fortunate enough that I wasn't in first gear and was able to drive home a few miles away no problems in the same gear (3rd)
Is this a shifter linkage issue? Would this indicate I need to rebuild the shifter/linkage?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,416
Likes: 1,825
From: Apple Valley, MN
It is clearly a shifter issue. You could try spraying it with WD-40 but the proper way to address is removing it, cleaning, inspecting for wear, reassembly and lubrication. Doing that you’ll never need to touch it again.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,796
Likes: 937
From: Arizona
thank you... for the $100 im ordering a linkage rebuild kit and will do just that
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,796
Likes: 937
From: Arizona
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,796
Likes: 937
From: Arizona
I can't find much about the dimensions
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 2,329
Likes: 725
From: Marietta GA
Check to make sure your transmission has the “G” clips instead of Bubba installed cotter pins. My transmission had cotter pins instead of the ‘G” clips as shown in the AIM. It seems that the cotter pins allow the shift levers to flop / move on the shafts. You can buy the “G” clips from most of the restoration vendors, I am not sure if they are included in a linkage rebuild kit.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,796
Likes: 937
From: Arizona
Check to make sure your transmission has the “G” clips instead of Bubba installed cotter pins. My transmission had cotter pins instead of the ‘G” clips as shown in the AIM. It seems that the cotter pins allow the shift levers to flop / move on the shafts. You can buy the “G” clips from most of the restoration vendors, I am not sure if they are included in a linkage rebuild kit.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,381
Likes: 1,067
From: Virginia USA
Check to make sure your transmission has the “G” clips instead of Bubba installed cotter pins. My transmission had cotter pins instead of the ‘G” clips as shown in the AIM. It seems that the cotter pins allow the shift levers to flop / move on the shafts. You can buy the “G” clips from most of the restoration vendors, I am not sure if they are included in a linkage rebuild kit.
Yes, "g" clips hold the rods tight. Cotter pins BAD unless you want to roadkill you car to get home.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,796
Likes: 937
From: Arizona
I've been under the car plenty for various reasons and oddly enough I was under there Saturday (day before the linkage lock up) inspecting the trans for a small fluid leak and fluid level check.
There has only been two prior owners and last one was a aviation mechanic who had it since 1985, ive had the car pretty disassembled for paint and interior and there has been no "Bubba" short cuts on the car... and has been highly maintained.
I have been wanting to get under and do a linkage adjustment as ive always felt it was a little binding shifting into reverse... will order linkage rebuild kit this morning so I can add faster shipping and get it done this coming weekend.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,381
Likes: 1,067
From: Virginia USA
The hard part is getting it out and back in. Bolt # 8 in the second picture is the PITA. I use a long extension with a swivel socket. It can be done in a day or so. I had mine out last year when it locked up in 2nd. Fun drive home but at least I was close
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,796
Likes: 937
From: Arizona
Thanks for the heads up... I thought i could rebuild the linkage with the shifter still in the car, I'm only ordering the linkage rebuild kit... are you suggesting I also rebuild the shifter?
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,381
Likes: 1,067
From: Virginia USA
There's really nothing to "rebuild" on the linkage rods etc unless you just plan to replace them. They don't have bushing or anything. The shifter is rebuildable.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,756
Likes: 2,589
It's a fairly common issue caused by the bolts holding the linkage to the transmission shifter shafts becoming loose. With the shifter in neutral the 1/2 shafts and 3/4 shafts should be vertical and the reverse should be fully forward Loosen the bolts and then re tighten with the shafts in the correct position.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,796
Likes: 937
From: Arizona
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,381
Likes: 1,067
From: Virginia USA
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,796
Likes: 937
From: Arizona
