The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline 1949 Suburban transmission hard to shift.

I have an all original 1949 Chevy Suburban, 216 engine, three on the tree. For never having been rebuilt it shifted pretty well a month ago. Truck sat for a month outside (Bakersfield, California so not freezing) and now it is hard to shift. Hard to get into first or reverse, can't move the shifter up or down at all to shift into 2nd or 3rd. Any ideas what to check on first? Was hoping to keep driving the Suburban as is until next year when it gets torn apart, so I don't want to rebuild anything.

1, Check the clamp on the shift shaft by clutch/brake pedals is tight. 2, Check the two levers on the steering column are parallel with the shift lever in neutral. 3,Adjust the linkage as per the service manual. I had the same problem with my truck after replacing the bolts on the clamp. I had it stick in first 3 miles from home so it was a slow drive home. When I got home I opened the hood and pulled the levers parallel, adjusted and tightened the bolts.

As Hippy says, check all the linkages,and shift rods,etc. first.
You could also try disconnecting the arms from the transmission under the truck and see if they move freely. That will kinda narrow down your problem.
Welcome to Stovebolt, My son lives in Silver Creek and teaches at Cal State Bako.

Might take the cover off the shifted box and make sure things are lined up.