Transmission Stuck

[Space Cowboy]

Hi All,

I have a weird problem. I was one block away from getting home today and I suddenly couldn't shift gears. I have a 69, with a 350 4-Speed Manual (I think its a Munsey with a Hurst shifter, not sure though). Anyway, it seems to be stuck in 3rd. I can only get it into one other shift position which I think is reverse, but the car is still in forward gear.

Any ideas on what the heck is going on, how I can fix it, and why this suddenly happened?

Thanks all!

 

[cruzer99]

Worn out shifter linkage most likely.

 

[bradfordsvettes]

sounds like a worn shifter you will have to crawl under the car and realign the rods but it will probably happen again steve :cry

 

[78SilvAnniv]

...but it will probably happen again.

What would fix the problem? Will he need to replace parts of, the entire shifter or the whole tranny?
Heidi

 

[bradfordsvettes]

you can shim them and tighten the main body the long term cure is a new shifter or rebuild kit steve

 

[Space Cowboy]

Does all these suggestions take dropping the transmission?

Thanks is advance!

 

[69autoXr]

You don't have to drop the trans to realign the linkage, or to change the shifter out completely. If you don't mind unoriginal parts, the Hurst Competition Plus in an excellent aftermarket shifter. My shifter got stuck in third a few times also, and after I went to the Hurst I haven't had any problems.

Chris

Edit: I just reread the original post, so I guess you're not concerned with originality, nor are you probably impressed with Hurst shifters!

 

[Space Cowboy]

69autoXr,

I'll be honest, I won't claim to know anything about shifters. I was told when I bought the car that it had a Hurst shifter in it. One half dozen or the other, I would just like to get it fixed. I'm not sure about the linkage the last few folks have mentioned. I didn't think there was linkage on the muncie (only clutch linkage)... I thought the shifter goes straight into the transmission box. Then again, like I said, I don't claim to know anything about shifters or transmissions for that matter. Therefore, I'm open to any suggestions.

Thanks

 

[Space Cowboy]

Okay... I've seen there are linkages for the shifter. You learn something everyday! Are there any web sites that show you how to realign those babies? (I'm a picture person)

Thanks

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

If it's a stock shifter, the the GM shop manual has all the info you need. If it's an aftermarket unit, then you'll need to chase down the appropriate instructions. I would bet the manufacturer's web site would have a link.

More importantly, just realigning the arms won't fix the problem. It'll just go out of whack again in the near future, possibly stranding you somewhere less convenient.

Removing the unit and fixing it properly is the best bet.

 

[JohnZ]

If the T-handle on the shift lever (reverse lockout) moves up and down against a spring load and prevents shifting into reverse unless it's lifted, you have a factory shifter. If the T-handle doesn't move up and down at all, it's a Hurst shifter with a bolt-on look-alike lever.

Check the linkage to see if one end of a rod has come adrift at either the trans or shifter end; if all three of the rods are in place and connected at both ends, you have a shifter problem. This is unlikely with a Hurst, but is fairly common with a high-mileage factory shifter; rebuild kits are about $35.00, and will make it operate just like new (I rebuilt my factory '67 shifter last winter, and now it's just as precise as a Hurst).

 

[Red69]

dnewton, if your shifter is a Hurst it will not have a reverse lockout. The Hurst shifter has a flattened chrome stick that has Hurst stamped in it. If the simulated original stick replaced the Hurst it will not have a functional R lockout, just the simulated lever.

If it is a Hurst and it needs a rebuild, thay provide that service for about $65. It is not likely, as they are like a Timex. Check your shift linkage and be sure all the rods are connected at both ends. I suspect this may be a problem if a spring clip came off. While you are there, check and be sure the three bolts that secure it to the transmission did not come loose. If you need to adjust the linkage on the Hurst there is an alignment hole just above the linkage on the shifter assembly. Slide a nail into the hole and through all the plates. This will keep everything aligned as you adjust the linkage bar lengths. Look at the transmission shift arms. They are the flat arms that drop down from the transmission and to which the linkage connects. The forward arm bend should be toward the transmission, the rear arm bends away from the transmission. I mention this because if they are both the same, the linkage will bind resulting in a locked or dislodged linkage rod.

Most owners with a shifter problem installed the Hurst for a reason. I have no experience with rebuilding an original unit, so can't be of help if that's what you have.

It is not likely that your trans would go bad without some previous indications.