The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Shifter locks up

I have a 3 speed on the column. My shifter locks up in gear. I can go under the hood and shift it, on the column, to any gear or neutral that I want.
I pulled the cover off the control box and there was a homemade shim that came out from somewhere inside the box, it was bent and jammed in the corner. The shim is kind of u shaped.
I though that was what was jamming it up. I removed the shim, Put it back together and it still jambs up. I can't see what is causing it. It was packed with grease and doesn't look worn out.
Anyone had this one yet?

JW

It is a common problem. It is usually caused by freeplay due to worn bushings on the external parts of the linkage near the column. Make it tight and it should be fixed. It can be frustrating.

You can go to your local Ace Hardware and get nice new steel bushings to fit in all the joints in the whole linkage. You may have to do a little simple fabricating, but nothing to complex. It's worth it. I rebuilt my column shift, and I would not even consider a floor shift with a 3 speed now. I can shift QUICK as a blink and never miss a gear. A column shifter is quick, short, and very positive when it is set up correctly. It's worth the labor to do it.
boo

I've got the same problem, and it's driving me nuts. The PO put these copper plate shims in the shift box on both sides, and it binds like crazy in either first or third, and hasn't always. It just started. You guys say it's only external linkage that causes the problem? I was thinking of replacing the box on the column itself, but have got better things to spend the $80 bucks on. Tell us more pleeeeaaase! :p

I put new rubber bushing on the shifter arms, a while back, (before it started locking up). Is this what you are talking about. They don't feel like they have any play in them at all.

thanks,
JW