Hello all,
I hope this is the correct category. Anyway, here goes my question. I have a 1969 4-speed W.R. and I think that the shifter and/or linage may need a rebuild. Here are the characteristics:

When I shift to any gear, I will hit the consule surrounding the shifter box. Also the shifter has about 1" of play in all directions. Is that normal for this shifter? If not, what do you think needs replacing/rebuliding?

Thanks in advance,
Mike

You didn't mention if you have the factory shifter or an aftermarket. First, check from underneath that everything is properly attached. A loose mounting bolt could cause the problem. You do in fact have entirely too much play. If it's a replacement, determine you have a good one before spending cash to repair it. Also check the bushings and retainers on the rods. A lot of them were nylon and wore quickly. Try to find the steel bushings when you replace them.

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There are two holes where the rods attach to the linkage going into the Trans. The factory always used the top holes. If you move the linkage to the bottom holes the shift will be much closer and will not hit the console.

If you have an AIM you will see the two sets of holes and know what you are looking for before getting under your vette.

The other thing that happens is a lot of times when the console is removed it is not reinstalled forward enough.

It is not easy to get the console in the right position and you will need a lot of patience but the console and lower dash panels will fit better and you should no longer hit the front of the shifter opening plate.

All this should be done after you make sure all of the bushings are still there and the linkage is not bent.

If you do all these things, assuming it is the original shifter, the car will shift tighter than it did new!



Bill

Thanks for the replies. Yes it is the original shifter. I will jack up the car this weekend and give it a look and see if anything is out of the ordinary. Thanks for the suggestions/ideas.

Mike

Mike.
Another opinion...
It's most likely the bushings in the shifter linkage.
Mr. Gasket sells a bushing repair kit. Pretty easy to fix, and then she'll be tight as hell.

Can you tell me why my shifter hits the left side of the console when I shift it to reverse?  Does the shifter reverse lever pin need attention.  HELP!