The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Patrick's Saginaw Shifter Kit

Has anyone else recently purchased the Saginaw shifter kit from Patrick's? I just received mine yesterday and the shift handle that is pictured in their catalog does not match what they sent. The instructions are also very difficult to read (small pictures of very poor quality). The shift handle is straight compared to the bent version pictured in the handle. I tried to call them yesterday to find out, but they were closed. Just wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience. Thanks.

I have one in my 52,it is bent and attaches with 2 bolts, works just fine, don't think you can use the straight one, have you also converted to the 4 speed transmission conversion they offer?,,,Fred

I did'nt receive a straight on either. Looks like a call to Patrick is in order on this one. I agree on the instructions; thay are a pain to read, I had to call Patrick to clarify some of the photos myself. I have not tried the shifter, yet, I hope it works as folks say it does. Good luck!

Thanks for the feedback. I plan on giving him a call tomorrow to clarify the instructions and see if they can send the parts that are missing. Thanks.

You are correct about the instructions for the Hurst shifter. I finally had to call Hurst and get them to fax me the instructions. I don't know why Patrick doesen't correct this problem? The curved shifter lever is correct not the straight one, however when installing in a 1/2 ton with a car saginaw 4 speed there would be plenty of room. Play close attention to the Hurst instructions, you can use 75w90 synthetic gear lube in the 4 speed.

While on the subject and since I am about to convert to a Saginaw also... What is the difference between the shifters Hurst sells vs what Patrick's sells? When choosing a Saginaw trans are there any other considerations to style/year besides ratio?

A call to Patrick's yesterday solved most all of the problems. I spoke to their head mechanic who helped me out with the process. They are also putting the correct shifter in the mail (UPS) for me and shipping it 2nd Day since it was their mistake.

When choosing a transmission the only thing I looked at other than the ratio (look for the two grooves on the input shaft) was the condition of the gears themselves. I pulled off the side cover and looked inside. The synchros and gears all looked good with no visible chips. I pulled mine off a Vega (not sure what year).

As a side note, has anyone who tackled this swap also attempted to put in a dual cylinder master cylinder? I am finding that there are some clearance issues. If anyone has a remedy I am all ears. Thanks.

stevejumper,
On my 4 speed saginaw install I had to remove and plug the reverse gear sending unit that screws in just behind the side cover. The shifter linkage etc is a tight fit over the same area. Many are using the **** mustang master cyl as it has a built in porportioning valve. You will have to make or buy an adaptor plate to mount up the new MCyl in the same location. I've seen advertizing in the truck magazines for these plates. They are about $60.00 a lot of money to people like me - just make one.

Unless I am mistaken, the Hurst Saginaw shifter kits are made especially for Patrick, and available only through him. At least this was the case a few years ago. Standard shifter location was back on the tailshaft housing for most Saginaw applications; Patrick's kit moves it forward to the center of the floor. He also supplies a special stick to clear the bench seat, and a little engraved plate and accordion boot to fit the opening.

The first Patrick's Saginaw shifters were made by B&M, were rather flimsy and didn't work well. He recalled every one of them and replaced them with the Hurst version.

thanks stevej and six that is what I needed to know!

In case anyone needs them in the future I just found that Hurst has all their instructions for shifters online....

http://www.mrgasket.com/hurstinst.html