Best way to adjust Ford toploader shifter linkage.

Wheels · #1 (**permalink**) 06-19-2003, 03:31 AM

Having trouble getting stock Ford shifter linkage adjusted.Anybody know any secrets.It works but seems to go in reverse too easily,not a good thing for sure.If it matters it out of 1969 Mustang 428CJ.Thanks

trularin · #2 (**permalink**) 06-19-2003, 04:20 AM

Big bone trans! Good man!

There should be an alignment hole when the shifter is dead nuts neutral ( it's a technical term ). Put a pin through the hole. Personally I use a drift pin or punch. Remove all the linkage and set all the dogs to neutral on the trans.

Put your bushings in and connect your rods. I had to heat and bend a few places to clear things and align the rods. I also made sure the shifter was aligned as in, "on the same plane". This may take a washer or two in select areas.

It takes patience and several curse words to get it right. You can practice now as you read this. Start cursing.

Hope this helps.

Ron61 · #3 (**permalink**) 06-19-2003, 05:42 AM

Trularin is correct. The only thing that I did was get a rod the exact size of the hole and make a sharp bend in the rod so it looks like a smooth allen wrench. That way I can put it through the alignment hole withut having to bend any thing. And these transmissions do need to be right on the money.

Ron

Steve Jones · #4 (**permalink**) 06-19-2003, 06:00 AM

That is the correct adjustment method for a Hurst shifter, but what if it is not a Hurst? He didn't say. I don't think a stock Ford Mustang shifter (for instance) had the same neutral alignment hole. Even if it is a Hurst, a poorly adjusted shifter would make it more difficult to get into reverse wouldn't it?

Steve

Wheels · #5 (**permalink**) 06-21-2003, 03:40 AM

Guys this is a stock Ford shifter,not Hurst.Thanks.

Cobrabill · #6 (**permalink**) 06-21-2003, 06:16 PM

THere still has to be an alignment hole.The one on Hurst shifters is 1/4 inch.

Put the shifter in neutral.
Stick the pin in.
Remove rod(s)
Grab the little"tang"with a small wrench or pliers and "feel"that it is also in neutral.Between what feels like detents.
Adjust rod length so that the "ear" slips over the tang.
Install nut
Repeat.
Remove pin!!!

Wheels · #7 (**permalink**) 06-22-2003, 05:45 AM

Thanks,can't see in there very well,I didn't know Ford put hole for adjustment .