looking for specific info. for lower shift control rod assembly for 71-72 402/400

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

I THINK that assembly is per #5 & #6 in the illustration below, and am asking about:

1. Is the grommet like that in the picture below? If so then it looks like # PBCS51612 can be made to work.

2. On which side of the shaft control cross (#10) is the grommet inserted? I thought the RH side, but might be the left. By chance is the grommet flanged on both sides of the cross?

3. If a single flange, can you describe how deeply the grommet inserts into the cross? I would expect it's flush the other side of the hole, but.

4. Can you confirm two flat washers are used. I only removed one. Are they special washers?

Thank you

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Here's what I've come up with so far, thanks to one Canadian and some research.

It looks like the factory grommet was flanged on both sides, so it's not like what's pictured above. I don't know if anything other than the rod was inserted into it, but if there's a steel sleeve it's similar the grommet for the top assembly at the shift lever.

The grommet and sleeve at the shift lever appears to be part number 91-062B (pictured). The lever (top) and cross (bottom) happen to be the same gauge, however the difference is the lever takes a 3/8" swivel bolt while the pin on the bottom of the rod is just 5/16".

This is interesting and might be factory correct, 60/40 it's wrong I just ordered one: https://www.ebay.com/itm/28403367233...YAAOSwBnpc2bZw

Part #PBCS51612 can be cut as an option. It's only flanged on one side though, I'd insert it from the inside.

With a little consensus from the north it seems a flat washer is placed on both sides of the lower grommet.

[sloGMC]

I have been looking for a replacement! My bushing is flanged on one side and I don't think it has been cut. It feels more like plastic than the rubber grommet you find at the column end. I believe mine has the flange toward the outside of the vehicle and a thick washer on the engine side, which the clip rides against.

[sloGMC]

Is that picture from the service manual or a parts manual

[MikeB]

I'm having a hard time seeing the parts and reading the numbers. Does this help at all? https://www.lmctruck.com/1967-72-che...ission-linkage

[sloGMC]

I just noticed both of those pictures are showing the SBC bracket. I have the BB bracket/TH400 and don't know if the shift rods are different (maybe someone else could verify that) between SB and BB, but I guess it would make sense that "shaft-control cross" is the same for TH350 and TH400, so they probably use the same bushing?

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by sloGMC

I just noticed both of those pictures are showing the SBC bracket. I have the BB bracket/TH400 and don't know if the shift rods are different (maybe someone else could verify that) between SB and BB, but I guess it would make sense that "shaft-control cross" is the same for TH350 and TH400, so they probably use the same bushing?

I don't see why they'd be different, but who knows. Interesting your BB/400 has a single flange, a guy with a 72 mostly original says two flange and I believe a nylon bushing, so this may be right or one method.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/28403367233...YAAOSwBnpc2bZw

There's more than one way to skin a cat though, perhaps some differences from factory. My first understanding was a single flange rubber grommet, but near as I can tell that's not right, though one can be made to work.

Originally Posted by MikeB

I'm having a hard time seeing the parts and reading the numbers. Does this help at all? https://www.lmctruck.com/1967-72-che...ission-linkage

Thank you but that's not the assembly, LMC doesn't offer it. The rod connects to this cross for the 402/400, I can't speak for others.

[sloGMC]

So I looked at mine again today and it does look like it may have had flanges on both sides at some point, but now one side is entirely gone and the other is nearly gone (why I need to find a replacement sooner than later). Not sure how it would get in the lever with it being so inflexible though.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Well here's where I came up with. The dual flange grommet with nylon bushing (1394293 22503153) might be right. Fits right on the cross. However, by the time I got the grommet on there was barely or no room to install what I know as the proper spring clip (TRN-1241), my sore fingers and too much time wasted can tell you all about it. Of course I can't even entertain a flat washer with it, perhaps the assm. took a thin one? so the spring clip would rub the grommet. That doesn't strike me as correct even if I could MacGyver the clip on.

Perhaps different shift rods?

So I ended up with what I've done before, and tailored a single flange grommet (aka step bumper # PBCS51612). I inserted that and added a regular flat washer on the other side. The clip slid in nicely while there's no play.

The end of the rod is flanged which strikes me as a nice fit on the grommet.

[mr.mud1]

hi Tony,the rod on my truck has 2 washers,and as you said,it doesn't seem correct to have the shoulder on the shift rod against the face of the rubber bushing.it may be you're having trouble with trying 2 washers cause the bushing is fat and new?mine has both sides pretty flat and 1 side,with a torn place on that flange.i sometimes use stainless steel washers in place of my regular grade 8 washers,they seem to be 1/2 as thick?that might work for you?as far as the clip and struggling to get it in,my tired old fingers struggle with it too,i grab the clip at 6:00 o'clock with a good pair of needle nose pliers and get it started,slides right in.take care.Greg

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by mr.mud1

hi Tony,the rod on my truck has 2 washers,and as you said,it doesn't seem correct to have the shoulder on the shift rod against the face of the rubber bushing.it may be you're having trouble with trying 2 washers cause the bushing is fat and new?mine has both sides pretty flat and 1 side,with a torn place on that flange.i sometimes use stainless steel washers in place of my regular grade 8 washers,they seem to be 1/2 as thick?that might work for you?as far as the clip and struggling to get it in,my tired old fingers struggle with it too,i grab the clip at 6:00 o'clock with a good pair of needle nose pliers and get it started,slides right in.take care.Greg

Wow, if only I could have added one flat washer, you're talking two. The grommet is just too thick. I ended up with a single flange grommet "bumper" that happens to be for a 1/2" hole and 5/16" rod. That and one flat washer, it's nice and snug.