Toploader shift rods

[LMH]

Nice job!
Larry

[DanEC]

I agree - nice job. Looks like that reverse lever is no shorter than the 3/4 lever so I wouldn't think the effort would be any higher than the forward gears. I have a Hurst unit in my car and I'm not familiar with Ford shifter mechanisms - how does that work with the slotted rods?

[rsk289]

Thanks guys - the effort's actually slightly easier as the rods and levers are now working at 90°, which is more efficient.
The rods don't slide - the slot is simply for adjustment, there's a nut on the back of the pivot which you can't see which holds it tight in the slot. I was careful to weld with the adjustment in the centre of the slot just in case.
There's a small hole at the top of the levers, just under the shifter pivot, visible in the first two pics. This goes right through everything - put a 3/16" drill bit right through all the arms, set the side levers in neutral, tighten the slot nuts just mentioned and the shifter mechanism is adjusted correctly.
These things are so simple, it's unbelievable!

[LightNFast]

Congrats on your modification.

I believe the only difference between the Tiger and Galaxie is the tail housing length. You can see from the photo the original T10 configuration has the 3-4 lever just above the frame member - The Toploader should be nearly identical.

It sure sounds like the drivetrain isn't sitting correctly in the chassis.

[rsk289]

Originally Posted by LightNFast

Congrats on your modification.

I believe the only difference between the Tiger and Galaxie is the tail housing length. You can see from the photo the original T10 configuration has the 3-4 lever just above the frame member - The Toploader should be nearly identical.

It sure sounds like the drivetrain isn't sitting correctly in the chassis.

I had an idea that the side rod arrangement on the T10 is different from the toploader. Are they the same?
Certainly at present the tail of the toploader is sitting quite low with ref to the diff flange. I haven't got a motor on the front of it so can't tell until that's in.
The top of the 'chocolate block' rubber mount is roughly level with the top of the crossmember. As far as I can see that is correct, unless someone can tell me I've got it wrong. I may need some spacing anyway to help with driveline angles, but I think the T10/toploader difference is in the side rod arrangement.

[LightNFast]

Here's one for you with a Toploader....

[rsk289]

Originally Posted by LightNFast

Here's one for you with a Toploader....

Thanks - yes, he's had to cut the floor area as the 3/4 rod sticks out too far sideways, I preferred to bring the rod in rather than have a step in the tunnel.
I'd be interested to know what's happening with the vertical dimensions, though.
Can anyone with a toploader tell me where the underside of the mounting flange on the t/l sits in relation to the crossmember under the linkage area? Level, or above - is a spacer used?

[LightNFast]

Originally Posted by rsk289

Certainly at present the tail of the toploader is sitting quite low with ref to the diff flange. I haven't got a motor on the front of it so can't tell until that's in.

Put the grinder down and step away from the car - I highly recommend you focus your efforts elsewhere until you have the engine and trans in place.

[rsk289]

You are quite right - the next step is motor in and bolted up to check driveline angles.

[ZOERA-SC7XX]

Originally Posted by rsk289

I had an idea that the side rod arrangement on the T10 is different from the toploader. Are they the same?
Certainly at present the tail of the toploader is sitting quite low with ref to the diff flange. I haven't got a motor on the front of it so can't tell until that's in.
The top of the 'chocolate block' rubber mount is roughly level with the top of the crossmember. As far as I can see that is correct, unless someone can tell me I've got it wrong. I may need some spacing anyway to help with driveline angles, but I think the T10/toploader difference is in the side rod arrangement.

I tried a T-10 shifter body with my toploader and I could not get it to work properly. Had two gears and reverse okay but just could not get it to workall the way. I eventually bought a Tiger shifter body and rods and they worked perfectly. The Ford engineers did not make these two compatible.

[DanEC]

Originally Posted by rsk289

The rods don't slide - the slot is simply for adjustment, there's a nut on the back of the pivot which you can't see which holds it tight in the slot.

Thanks - the washer and cotter pin threw me, looked like a free, sliding connection. I was thinking - how does that work? Learned something about Ford shifters today.