shift linkage binding
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Youngstown OH
shift linkage binding
For the last few days I could not downshift into second or first. Now the car is stuck in third gear. The only position the shifter will go into is the reverse position (feels like fourth gear) and nuetral (third). Any suggestoions on short-term and long-term fix?
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,322
Likes: 1
From: Living in the Hartland
Re: shift linkage binding (SteelCitiesLT1)
Might check to see if you shift arm bolts came loose on the trans, after I yanked mine and cleaned it the bolts worked themselves loose and it stuck in gear because the shift arm was free floating on the seat.
[Modified by Fevre, 6:35 PM 4/29/2004]
[Modified by Fevre, 6:35 PM 4/29/2004]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,362
Likes: 7
From: Brazos TX
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Re: shift linkage binding (SteelCitiesLT1)
:iagree: It sounds like something is loose or misadjusted. You may want to get new spring clips and add washers under them. That will tighen things up. You can use the Hurst clips that are available at Autozone or a similar parts store.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
Re: shift linkage binding (SteelCitiesLT1)
simple adjustment...get the trans in neutral...just above the xhifter's arms is a hole, find a drill bit that will go inside that hole. This locks the arms into neutral. If your arms are out of adjustment, take them off the tranny and then insert the drill bit. Make the necessary adjustment by the the tranny's shift forks. When everything is in adjustment, you should be able to shift the tranny underneath without any effort....good luck
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 167
Likes: 8
From: Blythewood S.C.
St. Jude Donor '14
Re: shift linkage binding (SteelCitiesLT1)
GDaina, Can the adjustment you described be used on a '78/L82/4speed also. Think my shifter is worn quite a bit and it wants to hang up sometimes also. Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
Likes: 38
From: Fremont CA
Re: shift linkage binding (MGB)
The shift gates of the Corvette shifter are serviced and the internal shifter gates be purchased and installed. Get a copy of the GM Body service manual and do the troubleshoooting. There can be many causes to the problems you are describing but, most are easilly solved with help from the shop manual.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
Re: shift linkage binding (MGB)
It won't hurt to try, it will take longer to jack the car up and put stands under then make the adjustment...if it still fails after the adjustment, buy the rebuild kit, that includes new bushings.....all the major vendors carry shifter rebuild kits.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
