Since there are no replacement shift rods available, EVERYONE is dealing with 60 plus year old, worn parts. There are numerous rod ends, and the levers in which they are inserted, which will have substantial wear. The cumulative affect of all of these worn parts makes me wonder why any of these trucks shift at all. Then you have the internals of the shift box which wear out and become misaligned.
The rod ends and the levers in which they are inserted can be repaired with a welder (I prefer a TIG for better control) and ground to the original shape.
The shift box internals need to be inspected for alignment, and wear, which can also be repaired with a welder and a small angle grinder.
Carl
