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| | | | Joined: Dec 2019 Posts: 37 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Dec 2019 Posts: 37 | Hello. I looked back at some old posts about this issue and see where some play in these shifters is normal but I am not sure if mine is above normal. The shifter moves about 5-6 inches left to right in neutral and 3-3.5 inches when in any of the gears. The pins that hold the shifter cap has play in them. I have nothing to compare them to so not sure if that's normal of it they could be an issue. Any help on this would be appreciated.
1947 3100
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,518 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,518 | If the shifter lugs are worn then yes it is going to seem really loose.
Worn lugs are really common on these old transmissions
1953 Chevrolet 3100261 cu inch, sm420, 3.55 rear, torque tube still,omaha orange, still 6 volt, RPO green glass, side carrier spare, all done In the DITY GalleryVideo of the 261 running1964 GMC 1000305 Big Block V6, sm420, the next cab off restoration
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2002 Posts: 2,843 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2002 Posts: 2,843 | I just went out and did a quick measure of my SM420 in the '50 and on an average I got 2" slop when in gear and 4" when in neutral. No idea if this is correct or not.
Craig My '50 Chevy 3100 5 window, '62-235cu, 3:55 rear My truck ....... Respect The Rust If I'm not working on my truck, '65 m00stang or VW camper, I'm fishing with the wife or smoking Salmon.
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 899 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 899 | 49 3100. I measure 3" in neutral and approx 3/4" in other gears. Seem to recall replacincing the pins many years ago but don't recall where I got them from.
Ed
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 899 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 899 | Google SM420 shift tower pins and you'll find many opinions and possible fixes. Good luck
Ed
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2019 Posts: 37 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Dec 2019 Posts: 37 | Thanks for the info. It does look like the tower pins need to be replaced but do not see the pins listed anywhere. Does no one not make these? Is the spring pin the only option?
1947 3100
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,518 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,518 | I have a couple extra lugs/pins I could send you, also have a really nice shifter top depending on whether you have the e brake on the trans.
I have actually had better luck knocking out the loose lugs and drilling out the tower to accept a slightly larger hardened spring pin boy that really tightened up things.
Steve
Last edited by sstock; 06/12/2020 12:21 PM.
1953 Chevrolet 3100261 cu inch, sm420, 3.55 rear, torque tube still,omaha orange, still 6 volt, RPO green glass, side carrier spare, all done In the DITY GalleryVideo of the 261 running1964 GMC 1000305 Big Block V6, sm420, the next cab off restoration
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2019 Posts: 37 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Dec 2019 Posts: 37 | Hi Steve. Thanks for the info. Would those pins usually be available at the hardware store? Do by chance know what size they are?
1947 3100
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