Shifter Binding - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Wobpb377 · 05-04-2021, 01:40 PM

Aloha
1972, c20, 350/th350 column shifter

Recently it’s been difficult to shift out of park into reverse or other gears. But going up from drive to park it’s smooth. However there are instances where it’s even difficult from drive to reverse to park. It’s mainly the park to reverse. From ya’lls experience. Does it sound like a linkage or a trans? The linkage seems very simple outside of the column but inside I’m not sure how the linkage goes. My guy feeling is the linkage vs the trans. Thoughts? I just starting my trouble shooting.

geezer#99 · 05-04-2021, 02:35 PM

More likely old grease inside the column.
Might need cleaned out and re-lubed.

body bolt · 05-04-2021, 03:01 PM

Mine did this a while back and a shot of PB Blaster in the column cleared it up.

Wobpb377 · 05-04-2021, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by body bolt

Mine did this a while back and a shot of PB Blaster in the column cleared it up.

I Might try that. From top or bottom? That sounds easy.

**HO455** · 05-04-2021, 03:54 PM

From the bottom. Mine had a similar problem and I found the bushing at the bottom of the column was rusted up. I ended up pulling the column as spraying lube from the bottom was only a temporary solution.
To confirm it is the column disconnect the linkage at the transmission and try moving the shifter. If it is still stiff it is the column.

Wobpb377 · 05-04-2021, 04:22 PM

I know it’s a temp fix until I can get parts. Thanks for the tips. It’s a band aide.

**LockDoc** · 05-04-2021, 06:16 PM

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Try spraying some PB Blaster or other good penetrating oil (not WD-40) into the opening where the shift lever goes into the column. Use an extension and try to get it down inside the tube. Then put it in neutral and pull the lever up toward you and push it back down toward the dash a few times to see if it frees it up. Also spray some down at the bottom of the column where the shift levers are like others said......

LockDoc

BigBird05 · 05-04-2021, 07:54 PM

When spraying PB Blaster inside the cab, remember to put down plastic and rags to catch all of the gunk and liquid that will be coming out. It will last for quite a while. Then you will need to spray a lubricant onto the shift bowl and shift tube inside the column.

**Steeveedee** · 05-04-2021, 09:06 PM

I need to do this to my truck. It was hard to get into park in cold weather, and now it's that way all the time. I be that that nylon bushing on the shift lever is toast, too. Right after I can walk normally, I'll get on it.

Wobpb377 · 05-05-2021, 12:46 AM

Thanks for all the help today. Sprayed some PB Blaster penetrating oil in the column and it seems to be working better. I know it’s a band aide until I can find a rebuilt column that I can get shipped to Hawaii.

05-04-2021, 01:40 PM	#1
Wobpb377 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Aiea,HI Posts: 187	Shifter Binding Aloha 1972, c20, 350/th350 column shifter Recently it’s been difficult to shift out of park into reverse or other gears. But going up from drive to park it’s smooth. However there are instances where it’s even difficult from drive to reverse to park. It’s mainly the park to reverse. From ya’lls experience. Does it sound like a linkage or a trans? The linkage seems very simple outside of the column but inside I’m not sure how the linkage goes. My guy feeling is the linkage vs the trans. Thoughts? I just starting my trouble shooting.

05-04-2021, 02:35 PM	#2
geezer#99 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Bowser Posts: 13,752	Re: Shifter Binding More likely old grease inside the column. Might need cleaned out and re-lubed.

05-04-2021, 03:01 PM	#3
body bolt Registered User Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico Posts: 474	Re: Shifter Binding Mine did this a while back and a shot of PB Blaster in the column cleared it up.

05-04-2021, 03:54 PM	#5
HO455 Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 11,526	Re: Shifter Binding From the bottom. Mine had a similar problem and I found the bushing at the bottom of the column was rusted up. I ended up pulling the column as spraying lube from the bottom was only a temporary solution. To confirm it is the column disconnect the linkage at the transmission and try moving the shifter. If it is still stiff it is the column. __________________ Thanks to Bob and Jeanie and everyone else at Superior Performance for all their great help. RIP Bob Parks. 1967 Burban (the WMB),1988 S10 Blazer (the Stink10 II),1969 GTO (the Goat), 1970 Javelin, 1952 F2 Ford OHC six 4X4, 29 Model A, 72 Firebird (the DBP Bird). 85 Alfa Romeo If it breaks I didn't want it in the first place The WMB repair thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698377

05-04-2021, 04:22 PM	#6
Wobpb377 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Aiea,HI Posts: 187	Re: Shifter Binding I know it’s a temp fix until I can get parts. Thanks for the tips. It’s a band aide.

05-04-2021, 06:16 PM	#7
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,929	Re: Shifter Binding - - Try spraying some PB Blaster or other good penetrating oil (not WD-40) into the opening where the shift lever goes into the column. Use an extension and try to get it down inside the tube. Then put it in neutral and pull the lever up toward you and push it back down toward the dash a few times to see if it frees it up. Also spray some down at the bottom of the column where the shift levers are like others said...... LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

05-04-2021, 07:54 PM	#8
BigBird05 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Cheraw Posts: 1,300	Re: Shifter Binding When spraying PB Blaster inside the cab, remember to put down plastic and rags to catch all of the gunk and liquid that will be coming out. It will last for quite a while. Then you will need to spray a lubricant onto the shift bowl and shift tube inside the column.

05-04-2021, 09:06 PM	#9
Steeveedee Who Changed This? Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 10,807	Re: Shifter Binding I need to do this to my truck. It was hard to get into park in cold weather, and now it's that way all the time. I be that that nylon bushing on the shift lever is toast, too. Right after I can walk normally, I'll get on it. __________________ ~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA

05-05-2021, 12:46 AM	#10
Wobpb377 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Aiea,HI Posts: 187	Re: Shifter Binding Thanks for all the help today. Sprayed some PB Blaster penetrating oil in the column and it seems to be working better. I know it’s a band aide until I can find a rebuilt column that I can get shipped to Hawaii.



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