Shifting Problem Solved - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

bluec10 · 04-26-2004, 11:25 AM

In a previous thread I asked people how to fix the shifting on my newly-acquired '69 GMC. It had been sitting for quite a while and the manual column shift was very tight.

I checked all the linkages and they looked fine. They were moving well and they were properly aligned.

The problem was in the column...but I couldn't resist taking the truck for a ride. Half way through the drive I couldn't pull the shifter into first so I used my "caveman" power and forced it too much...and broke the shifter.

Luckily I have a parts truck with a shifter. After pumping a bunch of WD-40 into the column it shifts perfectly. It is tighter than my '68 Chevy, probably because the trans has fewer miles on it.

Thanks to those who helped.

Putter · 04-26-2004, 02:09 PM

WoooHooo...I got one correct. (re-reading that post, I mentioned the WD-40 in the column). Glad to see you got it going. That makes for a good story later in life - ".....yep, this one time, my old truck wouldn't go into gear, and I literally ripped the shifter off the column with my bare hands....."

Perchjerker · 04-26-2004, 02:36 PM

Those 3 on the trees are easy to shift, if you know how. Try this in the future: when you shift out of first gear into any other gear or neutral, LIGHTLY pull the shifter towards you. I garuntee that it won't get stuck again. I do sometimes forget, and when it hangs up, don't try to force it. Simply stop the truck, kill the motor, pop the hood open, and pull on the linkage to were it is in neutral.

04-26-2004, 11:25 AM	#1
bluec10 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Manitoba, Canada Posts: 663	Shifting Problem Solved In a previous thread I asked people how to fix the shifting on my newly-acquired '69 GMC. It had been sitting for quite a while and the manual column shift was very tight. I checked all the linkages and they looked fine. They were moving well and they were properly aligned. The problem was in the column...but I couldn't resist taking the truck for a ride. Half way through the drive I couldn't pull the shifter into first so I used my "caveman" power and forced it too much...and broke the shifter. Luckily I have a parts truck with a shifter. After pumping a bunch of WD-40 into the column it shifts perfectly. It is tighter than my '68 Chevy, probably because the trans has fewer miles on it. Thanks to those who helped. __________________ Present: 2015 Tacoma. Yeah, not a GM, but I love it. 1969 GMC 32,000 - fix, drive, relax, fix... 2019 BMW R1250 GSA - Yahoooooooo 1979 Honda GL 1000 - retro touring at its best. Past: '05 Sierra 4x4 - Had 270,000 KM and running well when it was written-off by a stop sign runner. '94 F-150 from the "F word" company. I'll admit it...good truck. Sold what was left of it for $800 to a guy who came to pick it up at 11:00 PM with cash in hand. Hmm. '79 Sierra Grande (Black) organ donor - perfect rebuildable 4-bolt 350 and a good TH350. '76 Sierra Grande (Orange) - hate isn't too strong a word. Kid who bought it turned it into a hot rod. '68 C-10 R.I.P. - Dad's old truck...too far gone to resurrect. '59 C-50 - with hoist. Truck is gone, wife isn't. Nuff said.

04-26-2004, 02:09 PM	#2
Putter More Cowbell.... Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Puckett, MS Posts: 3,569	WoooHooo...I got one correct. (re-reading that post, I mentioned the WD-40 in the column). Glad to see you got it going. That makes for a good story later in life - ".....yep, this one time, my old truck wouldn't go into gear, and I literally ripped the shifter off the column with my bare hands....." __________________ *There once was a member from Puckett.....Who ( fill in the blank blank blank* ) bucket**

04-26-2004, 02:36 PM	#3
Perchjerker Beer Power!!!!!!!!!! Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Nacogdoches, TX Posts: 280	Those 3 on the trees are easy to shift, if you know how. Try this in the future: when you shift out of first gear into any other gear or neutral, LIGHTLY pull the shifter towards you. I garuntee that it won't get stuck again. I do sometimes forget, and when it hangs up, don't try to force it. Simply stop the truck, kill the motor, pop the hood open, and pull on the linkage to were it is in neutral. __________________ Rather be fishin'

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