Shift linkage help needed after 4" lift

[gadberry]

I havean 81 wagon w/4speed H/L range and need alittle help

with a sketch or pics of the cut/patch modifications required for

the shift stick and h/l linkage arm. I'd rather not fix it with a hammer

but I'm no welder/fabricator so I hope to find helpful, idiot proof

help before I've lost patience.. Ha!

 

Many thanks!

Gadberry

Edited October 12, 2009 by gadberry
Typo

[torxxx]

most likely it just needs extended. start with 3/4 of an inch longer should take care of it. Just remember, 4 inch lift doesnt mean 4 inch longer shift mods..

[GeneralDisorder]

I cut the shifter away from the shift rod sleeve and move it down about 3/4" and cut the shifter and add a 3/4" section of 1/2" steel round stock right above the pivot point on the transmission. That makes the throw shorter and gives it a bit more height. As noted you don't need 4" of linkage extension as typically the transmission is only dropped 3" with a 4" lift and you can angle the engine forward to tilt the back of the transmission up an inch or two. The rest is negligable but it does help to shorten the throw.

 

You won't get away without cutting and welding at least a bit. JB weld isn't going to cut it.

 

It helps also to lengthen and change the angle of the 4WD selector rod. About a 15* downward angle to the last 4" of the selector rod helps return the selector lever to it's stock position. The throw reduction of the main gear shifter is beneficial to keep them from interfereing with each other when you are in 4 low.

 

GD

[bheinen74]

yeah, if you are having a hard time finding reverse etc at this point, disconnect the 4WD rod underneath the car, until the shifter can be redone.

Mine, it took a cut the shifter extender rod off down near the curly Q bend above the bend. Reweld the rod back on just to the left with a little tilt. Then I made bracket to extend the 4wd lever that 15% or so

 

 

The whole ting disconnects from the top of the tranny, but you need to figure out how to get it to all gears before you weld fix it.

 

Basically, the shifter in stock form will hit along the 4wd shifter lever and will not be able to find reverse without mods. also, the throw has changed some and the shifter cannot get to 2nd, 4th, and reverse.

You will get it, but it is not an easy to do thing. do not jsut try to bend the shift lever, it is hollow inside and will break eventually, it needs be cut above the curly q, rewelded off to the side.

 

Find someone on here with a extra shift lever and that will help.

 

 

good luck.