• Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech

"New" Toploader

  • Thread starter Thread starter HammerG26
  • Start date Start date Jan 20, 2006
H

HammerG26

New Member
Dec 5, 2005
28
0
0
Canton, GA
Jan 20, 2006
#1
  • Jan 20, 2006
  • #1
I am getting a Toploader from a friend to put in my 66 A Code. He says it is pretty straightforward except, "The biggest pain in the ass installing the four speed is adjusting the shift linckages." Can anyone provide any guidance as to what this means and how to do what he is saying? I appreciate it.
 

LMan

Founding Member
Aug 10, 2002
1,246
0
0
Mom's basement
Jan 20, 2006
#2
  • Jan 20, 2006
  • #2
The shift linkage is external (set of rods on the o/s of the trans), not internal like a T-5 or more modern transmissions. You have to adjust the length of each shift rod to ensure its acutating each gear correctly when you move the shifter. If its wrong, it can damage the transmission.

Its not rocket science, but can be tedious. Best done with a helper to move through the gears.....
 
G

Gud T.B. Blown

Member
Dec 9, 2004
583
1
18
Jan 20, 2006
#3
  • Jan 20, 2006
  • #3
what linkage are you using? stock, hurst competition of competition plus? if it's competetion plus it's a little more time consuming because the adjusting is done by screwing the rods into the mounting bosses on the trans. on competition linkage the adjustment is done where the rods attach to the shifter. all you have to do is loosen the nut put the rods in the correct position and then tighten them back down.
in both hurst linkages there is a hole in the rods that has to be lined up. if the linkage doesn't include the alignment tool you can use a piece of coat hanger.
 
D

D.Hearne

New Member
Sep 29, 2000
11,730
6
0
south louisiana
Jan 20, 2006
#4
  • Jan 20, 2006
  • #4
pushrod power said:
what linkage are you using? stock, hurst competition of competition plus? if it's competetion plus it's a little more time consuming because the adjusting is done by screwing the rods into the mounting bosses on the trans. on competition linkage the adjustment is done where the rods attach to the shifter. all you have to do is loosen the nut put the rods in the correct position and then tighten them back down.
in both hurst linkages there is a hole in the rods that has to be lined up. if the linkage doesn't include the alignment tool you can use a piece of coat hanger.
Click to expand...
You'll get better results if you use an allen wrench that'll fit snugly thru those alignment holes. And for newbies: there's a slot in the shifter body that these alignment holes are supposed to line up with. Put the trans. and shifter in neutral and adjust the rods to where they'll all fit with the shifter levers locked in place with the allen wrench. If you still have shifting problems afterward with a Hurst, chances are there are internal problems in the Toploader.
 

HistoricMustang

Active Member
Apr 11, 2003
2,359
0
46
Confederate States of America
Jan 20, 2006
#5
  • Jan 20, 2006
  • #5
LMan said:
The shift linkage is external (set of rods on the o/s of the trans), not internal like a T-5 or more modern transmissions. You have to adjust the length of each shift rod to ensure its acutating each gear correctly when you move the shifter. If its wrong, it can damage the transmission.

Its not rocket science, but can be tedious. Best done with a helper to move through the gears.....
Click to expand...

Bingo! Adjusting the stop points for shifts can be a real pain.

HistoricMustang
www.historicmustang.com
 
L

limey66

Member
Sep 23, 2004
408
0
16
Northampton, England
Jan 20, 2006
#6
  • Jan 20, 2006
  • #6
I got similar crap-ola going on with my three speed - that extra linkage on the 4 speed must make it even worse.

Best of luck.
 

mfp4073

Founding Member
Mar 14, 2001
387
0
38
Hells Ditch, FL
Jan 20, 2006
#7
  • Jan 20, 2006
  • #7
D.Hearne said:
You'll get better results if you use an allen wrench that'll fit snugly thru those alignment holes.
Click to expand...

+1 I have one specific one that I painted blue so I would know which it is!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

L
5.0 Weird Tech Issue
  • Lowpass
  • Jun 9, 2025
  • Other Auto Tech
Replies
6
Views
271
Other Auto Tech Jun 10, 2025
Lowpass
L
P
C4 transmission shifting issues
  • Porter07
  • Aug 17, 2024
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
Replies
5
Views
1K
1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk- Sep 1, 2024
89ripper
J
Hello all, I have returned from a hiatus... Update and Questions
  • JackH
  • Aug 13, 2025
  • 1974 - 1978 Mustang II Talk & Tech
Replies
6
Views
288
1974 - 1978 Mustang II Talk & Tech Aug 15, 2025
JackH
J
Place to Avoid: Jamison Auto Group in Gulfport, MS
  • D Durden
  • Oct 20, 2025
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • 2 3
Replies
45
Views
2K
1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk- Feb 4, 2026
nickyb
Tightening upper control arm bushings at ride height dilemma… need some help
  • AnthonyA1234
  • Dec 27, 2024
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
  • 2 3
Replies
51
Views
4K
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Feb 27, 2025
General karthief
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?