Toploader shifting issues

[marcalan]

Just came back from the new years day ride, a little update. As Bill said, 1 - 3 shift no problem. Going from 2 - 3 would hit a wall, not all the time, just sometimes. Tried revving the motor as it happened, nothing. Tried shifting from 2 - 3 when I hit the wall by waiting a moment to de-torque the drive train, didn't work consistently. Had it going for a while where there was not problem shifting between the gears.

There is lube between the shifter plates. I took apart the shifter over the summer to make sure all was good. Also pulled off the top plate from the transmission and ran it through the gear so see what was going on and to make sure that there was fluid in the transmission case. At the time, I had jacked up the rear wheels so I could confirm I was in gear by spinning the tires.

[ERA Chas]

Originally Posted by marcalan

There is lube between the shifter plates. I took apart the shifter over the summer to make sure all was good.

So does this mean you have a Hurst?? Are you sure the stop bolts were correct??

[marcalan]

No I have the stock for linkage. The shifter plates I referring to are the one in the shifter box.

[Jac Mac]

There is a possibility that the detent springs for the 1/2 & 3/4 selectors inside the box are tired or not tight enough to bring both those shafts back to the exact neutral position when you cross over the 'gate' during shifts. These are the springs behind the 9/16" bolt on side of trans & under the top cover of the trans. The one under the top cover..there has been two versions, one that is preloaded with a 'phillips' head grub screw & the other is simply a longer spring.

Now the spring under the top cover is the detent control for 1&2, so if you 'adjust' the preload on that spring be sure to check that you can still shift that 1/2 action freely.

The detent for the 3/4 shift is under the 9/16" bolt on the side of the trans case, you can make up an adjustable setup for this one by using a longer 3/8" UNC bolt & nut and adjust the spring preload accordingly, again while shifting the 3/4 motion to ensure its not too tight......... Once you arrive at a suitable preload I would suggest that you cut a bolt down to the correct length & fit it, If you leave the 'bolt/nut' combo in place sooner or later some expert will tighten or loosen it & either lock it in gear or make it start jumpin out of gear...

[marcalan]

Jac Mac thanks for the information. Should I start with the 1 -2 or the 3 - 4 or is this something that I have to adjust both at the same time?

[Jac Mac]

I read where you have already had the top cover off, so it would be easier if you have it off while adjusting/checking both 1/2 & 3/4. Do the one on the side( 9/16"- for 3/4 shift - synchro hub @ front ), then do the one under the top cover ( 1/2 shift)---be careful not to drop the spring or grub screw in trans- although you should be able to just tighten it a bit further-- if you have one of the later trans that just uses a longer spring without the grub screw you can use a short rivet or round head screw that fits inside the spring coil to increase spring load---you would have torefit top cover temporarily or hold the spring/rivet/whatever you use down level with top face of trans case while you check shifter action. good luck..

[marcalan]

Thanks, I won't be able to try this till the coming weekend, I will report back then. Much appreciated.