Top Loader Shift Control Question

[RXTbone]

Working on a '66 4 speed top loader, shift control - a few question for anyone who has had one apart: I'm getting a notching, or popping between 2nd and 3rd, and issues with getting the shifter into 1st out of Reverse. The linkage is fine, the tranny is fine. I have adjusted the shift linkage, albeit with a allen wrench in the alignment hole. The allen wrench wasn't exactly a 1/4 inch thick, and allowed for a minute bit of forward and back play in the levers.

I'm not sure what the shift control has inside, but I've seen a rebuild kit with a washer type disk, with a rectangular hole in it. I'm assuming this guides the proper lever, according to the angle of the stick shift. Also, by the looks of the washer - it would lead me to believe that there should be no play in the shift levers (i.e. use an actual 1/4" alignment tool). An exploded view of the shift control would be great, but I can't find it in either the Ford Shop Manual, or online.

So, my question - is the shift control precise enough that the minute amount of play allowed in the levers will actually cause the shifter to be out of adjustment and cause the notching/popping?

Thanks in advance!

 

[horseballz]

Use a 1/4" drill bit for more precise alignment/adjustment. And, yes, a little bit off COULD cause your issues. However, it sounds as though your problems may be caused by a faulty clutch adjustment that is not allowing complete release of the clutch.
Gene

 

[RXTbone]

Use a 1/4" drill bit for more precise alignment/adjustment. And, yes, a little bit off COULD cause your issues. However, it sounds as though your problems may be caused by a faulty clutch adjustment that is not allowing complete release of the clutch.
Gene

Thanks, Gene - I think the clutch is OK, this is just shifting through the gears with the car parked (or subsequently when driving). Once in 1st, the shifter moves into 2nd smoothly. Once in the 3rd, it's an easy shift to 4th. It's the 2nd/3rd crossover that pops, or wants to get hung up. I can go from 2nd, wiggle it while in neutral (along with a bit of a notching or popping effect), then it moves into 3rd... Another detail - I can have the stick in neutral, and move it to the left and right and get it to pop. I think it's from the horizontal cylinder (don't know the name) in the shift control that the shifter attaches to. Does it have some sort of key, or guide on it... ?

Off to find a 1/4" alignment tool...

 

[horse sence]

heah you need to re adjust the linkage,the shifter should move side to side in neutral
smoothly no binding ,make sure the transmition leavers are in full neutral before adjusting the shifter and as gene said 1/4 inch drill bit works the best

 

[rbohm]

the 2-3 crossover is usually a bushing issue on the shifter handle itself and not inside the shifter control. it is a very simple design overall.

that said, the shifter box can always stand a good cleaning and lubrication, and perhaps a little deburring of the shifter pin and shifter grooves. i like to use wheel bearing grease, thin coats by the way. i also agree with using a 1/4" drill bit, even the factory suggests using one as a substitute for the proper adjustment rod.