The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 4 spd Transmission Removal

I am getting ready to remove a 4 spd tranny from a 51 GMC to replace the clutch. In the shop manual, I notice a diagram with a picture of a gearshift removal tool. The manual says that the tool is to be placed over the lever, then press down and turn to the left to remove only the gearshift.

I thought I may have to pull the top cover in order to remove the gearshift and give me enough room to slide the tranny out from under the truck. Has anyone ever seen a tool like this or come up with another way to remove only the gearshift lever ? Thanks,,,

I think I used channel locks to remove my handle, I don't remember now how I pushed the ring down to turn it. Seemed to me it wasn't to hard.

Just used a pair of pointy vise grips, Thanks for the tip..

I never bother with the "tools". Put a rag over the top of the shift lever base, push down and turn. They usually pop right out.

Ditto Vaughn's solution.

Obviously you guys have never had to remove on from a rusty junker settin' around for 20 years w/windows and doors open. :rolleyes: I can remove my "good" ones by hand or with pliers like you say, BUT, the old rusty, stuck ones take lots more. I have used two small boards, one on each side of handle and pushed down after lots of oil/penetrant but it's hard to get them to grab and not slip to make the turn. I have always wanted one of those tools, contacted old maker and they had none or no ideas. I was once thinking of getting some shop or maybe guys at work (GM) to make me one. Don't know exactly how the bottom part is set-up. Manual says to put the "tabs" into the shift slot. Don't know what "tabs" are there or ??? Machining a taper or concave should be easy and slot and handles, don't know about these "tabs"? I've also heard of guys making one out of a pipe that just fits the outer, flatter edge on cap and weld handles on it. Have to pass over the shifter arm to use. I seldom am able to remove the knobs, so would make the "slot" in pipe to pass over lever. This is probably what I am going to try first. :p