Thread: help column shift/trans. problems

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Can anyone help? I have a 32 ford with 396 turbo 350 and a shifter on the column. When I was driving to Indy for the car show and I went over some bumps it would seem like the trans would slip out of gear. To get home I disconnected the shift linkage and manually put the car in drive. The whole way home it did not slip. The shift linkage is very mickey mouse, but I am thinking that to do it right I have to convert it to a floor shifter. My thoughts are that when I go over a bump the engine and trans. are on rubber mount so they can move a little and the shifter does not move. I think that is what is jamming it out of gear. Should I get the right shift linkage? Should I go with the floor shifter? If I go with the floor shifter, can I put one in by just lowering the trans mount or does the trans have to come out? Please help me and maybe I can help you one day.

Get a Lokar floor shifter, should terminate your linkage probs.

Thanks, but do you think I can put it in without taking out the trans.?

You may be able to just lower it down but, it may have to come out.

Is it possible to convert your original column shifter linkage to a cable system?

A shifter doesnt usually require removal of the transmission. Im not sure about the Lokar install, but most other floor shifters use a cable. Its a very easy install, at worst you may have to move the crossmember to reach the shifter bracket on the tranny, you then adjust the linkage using jam-nuts.

Cables give positive shift engagment...... I changed one of my cars from sloppy column shift to a Hurst Quarter Stick and it was a worthwhile upgrade that I didn't regret.

I do belive that the Lokar shifters attach right to the tranny linkage

Yes Lokars do, but I believe they require removal of the tranny to install.


Unless you buy that new Lokar they made that mounts to the floor.....

I could see how that piece could be installed by lowering it on a tranny jack. just unthread the arm, lower the bottom half, slide it up the tailshaft and bolt it down. Of course, thats just me....:P