Never had to do it, anyone know how to properly adjust or line up the tranny linkage ? Stepped on the accelerator to kick down the idle and the car jumped into reverse ! Fixed some vacuum leaks I had, thinking that was the problem but it did it again. And I really have to push it up into PARK. I'm thinking it has to be the linkage. Thanks, Darrel
There is a nut where the linkage comes down and hooks to the side of the shift arm on the transmission. Loosen that nut, and physically turn the arm on the transmission with your hand to make sure the transmssion is all the way in park. Now make sure the shifter is all the way in the Park position. Pull on the linkage down while tightening the nut on the transmission lever. I had the same problem with my '72 when I first put it together.
Thanks Jamie. Ya know when I looked under there today the nut that holds the shift arm had worked it's way almost off and there was tranny fluid dripping from there. The tranny has less than 1000 miles on a rebuild, maybe it wasn't tightened enough when rebuilt ??
the ...shifter shaft...seals come with the rebuild kit. maybe the shop or whomever built the trans. didn't pull the shaft and replace them (or it). ... ...
Got the shifter adjusted, somewhat. Now it appears to be out of alignment the other way ! Kinda tuff to do it by yourself. Also found that all the engine to tranny bolts were loose. So now I'm going over every nut and bolt in the engine bay and tightening them. Surprised to find that most were loose, motor mounts, valve cover, etc. Now I'm wondering if the little clicking noise when I put it in reverse is from a loose flexplate or something ?
Here is the PROPER way to adjust your shift linkage: Throttle Linkage: With the throttle pedal pressed and held to the floor, Adjust linkage at the carburetor to ensure that the throttle plates are completely open without binding or moving over center. Check to be sure that engine idle is not impaired and is properly adjusted. the two adjustments that follow are best done with the car jacked and blocked off the ground so that you can access the linkage under the car. Kick-Down Linkage: With the throttle held in the Wide Open Throttle position and the kick-down rod held fully depressed: Move the adjusting screw to provide .060" clearance between the adjusting screw and throttle lever. Shift Linkage: Make sure the first two adjustments are made - yes it is important. Place and hold gear selector lever in "Drive" and against its stop. (toward low gear) Loosen the adjustment lock-nut at the transmission case lever. Remove the linkage rod or cable end. Shift the manual lever to the "Drive" position. Adjust the linkage to go on the manual lever without moving it in either direction. Tighten the lock-nut and check the operation of the linkage from inside the car.
I pretty much do it the same way as Paul said, just ain't that good at explainin' it. I have never been able to get one to shift into all gears correctly by adjusting it in drive. I always do it in Park and have never have a problem.
