column shifter problems, help??? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

steves1967 · 07-17-2003, 01:18 AM

I have a 71 long bed with an automatic and the factory column shifter. The shifter doesn't want to go into park Nothing is wrong with the tranny, and if I move the linkage on the engine side of the firewall- everything works perfectly. I can't pull the shift handle back (towards driver) does something in the column need to be greased?? Thanks for any help you can offer!!!

Steve

70cst10_05 · 07-17-2003, 01:20 AM

check to make sure all of your plug wires are out of the way, i had that happen once with mine, if i played with it for a while i could get it, but it just wouldn't go, i had a spark plug wire catchin in the linkage.

steves1967 · 07-17-2003, 01:23 AM

I'll check it out, but it's been getting "sticker" over the past few weeks.
Thanks!

JimKshortstep4x4 · 07-17-2003, 07:22 AM

Sounds like your shift tube will not slide. Try lubing the bottom end of the tube where it slides and shoot some penetrant into the shift lever opening. (The tube slides up at the top also and if you direct the spray, it will usually work).

Jim

fatfords · 07-17-2003, 08:54 AM

I think Jim is on the right track. Mine was acting the same way so I sprayed a load of WD-40 through the shift lever opening, until it would move smoothly. After all that finished dripping out the bottom side of the column, I sprayed some white lithium grease in the same opening and shifted throught the gears several times while spraying to get it all coated. Hasn't been a problem since...
Good Luck,
Kent

72c10step · 07-17-2003, 09:42 AM

I've been having the same problem with my 72, thought it was the linkage. I'll check it out in the next couple of days and let you know.

Mixup · 07-17-2003, 04:13 PM

Mine used to hit the power brake booster. I had to cut the rod shorter.

07-17-2003, 01:18 AM	#1
steves1967 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Manteca, Ca USA Posts: 305	column shifter problems, help??? I have a 71 long bed with an automatic and the factory column shifter. The shifter doesn't want to go into park Nothing is wrong with the tranny, and if I move the linkage on the engine side of the firewall- everything works perfectly. I can't pull the shift handle back (towards driver) does something in the column need to be greased?? Thanks for any help you can offer!!! Steve

07-17-2003, 01:20 AM	#2
70cst10_05 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Summerfield, Ks Posts: 745	check to make sure all of your plug wires are out of the way, i had that happen once with mine, if i played with it for a while i could get it, but it just wouldn't go, i had a spark plug wire catchin in the linkage. __________________ 1970 Chevy CST/10 1970 Chevy CST/10 1972 Chevy C/10 1972 Chevy Suburban K/10 2019 Silverado 2500 Duramax Kevin

07-17-2003, 08:54 AM	#5
fatfords Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 350	I think Jim is on the right track. Mine was acting the same way so I sprayed a load of WD-40 through the shift lever opening, until it would move smoothly. After all that finished dripping out the bottom side of the column, I sprayed some white lithium grease in the same opening and shifted throught the gears several times while spraying to get it all coated. Hasn't been a problem since... Good Luck, Kent __________________ '56 F-100 (w/all GM stuff) Lookin' for another parts chaser! '05 GMC crew cab

07-17-2003, 09:42 AM	#6
72c10step WHYBYNU when old will do? Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Loudon, NH Posts: 876	I've been having the same problem with my 72, thought it was the linkage. I'll check it out in the next couple of days and let you know. __________________ -72 Chevy C10 Stepside -2002 Chevy Silverado 2500HD 4x4 -1984 Jeep CJ7 -1995 Polaris XCR600 Custom -2003 Honda 300ex

07-17-2003, 04:13 PM	#7
Mixup Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Henderson, NV Posts: 358	Mine used to hit the power brake booster. I had to cut the rod shorter. __________________ 1980 Chevy Shortbed Pickup 1969 Z28 engine Turbo 350

07-17-2003, 01:23 AM	#3
steves1967 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Manteca, Ca USA Posts: 305	I'll check it out, but it's been getting "sticker" over the past few weeks. Thanks!

07-17-2003, 07:22 AM	#4
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	Sounds like your shift tube will not slide. Try lubing the bottom end of the tube where it slides and shoot some penetrant into the shift lever opening. (The tube slides up at the top also and if you direct the spray, it will usually work). Jim



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