[FC] early shifter repair

[Jim Davis]

The permanent way to correct the coupler slop is to drill out the 
coupler to 3/8" and insert a 3/8" roll pin into the opening.   Then 
using a cutoff wheel, section the center of the roll pin so that it just 
fits over the transmission shift shaft.  Next take a 5/16 - grade 5 bolt 
about - 2 inches long and turn it down in a lathe or drill press using a 
flat file until it fits snugly into the transmission shift shaft. Mark 
the end for the correct length and cut.  Lastly drill a hole at the end 
for a Cotter pin.  There will be no movement at the coupler.  Since the 
shaft, roll pin and bolt are made of hardened, high carbon steel there 
will be almost no wear.  A little chain lube or graphite will help if it 
is too stiff.   I modified my Rampside in 1984 and have never had a 
problem since.  I do find I have to change the roll pin in the shifter 
lever every 100,000 miles or so, as it seems to be a wear point.  The 
two bushings also need to be changed at the time - one in the shifter 
mount and the other in the shifter's connecting shaft
Jim Davis


On 11/27/2012 11:31 AM, wern3 at juno.com wrote:
> I too had a sloppy "mystery shifter" . I looked at the "coupler" end, saw the elongated holes  and took a lowbrow approach. I neither recommend nor denigrate my solution, I simply mention it as this happened after the money ( and patience) ran out for this project.  I went to the  "Hillman" section of the local tru Value and bought several nylon washers of varying thickness. Using the nylon washer on the outside of the coupler along with a larger steel washer under the head of the bolt and at the far end under the  nut  that fit the shifter pin - hole tightly, I tightened the  bolt using the pressure of the steel washers to compress the nylon washers into the ovalled- out holes. Yes it looks bad but the shifter works well, I can actually "feel" the thing when I  finally am able to  finesse it into reverse. Tim W . 1961 rampy 140 4 - spd