Is there a trick to getting the shifter plate back on an SM465

[1976Scottsdale]

I had to take the shifter plate off of my 4 speed iin my truck and now it will go on but it won't shift, what do I do?  I am trying to fix it because my TH400 is broke so I am going back to the 4 speed.

[VileZambonie]

? Isn't it a quick release top loader?

[Captkaos]

Agreed, is it the type that has the plate on the top with internal rails or it it the type with the plate on the side with external rails?

[joesgarage71]

 I seem to remember something about putting the top on in reverse or just as it starting to go in reverse.

[76_Scottsdale]

I have this problem too. It's the kind with a top plate with internal rails but it's tricky trying to get the selectors to line up with the gears. Any ideas?

[Captkaos]

Did you take the plate off or just pull the shifter out of the cover?

[76_Scottsdale]

I took the entire top plate off to clear the shifter when I took out the tranny.

[76_Scottsdale]

Still no tricks to getting this back on?

[VileZambonie]

Post pix so we can see what you did and what you have please

[Captkaos]

So removed the bolts holding the shifter and the rail off?  You will need to make sure the forks are re-aligned to get it back together.  Pics would definitely help.

[VileZambonie]

Transmission and shifter levers must be in Neutral position at time of rod assembly. A 0.250 inch gage pin must fit freely into gage pin hole when shifter levers are positioned as outlined above.

Some 1982-83 C/K models equipped with V8-379 diesel engine and four speed 117mm. transmission may exhibit hard shifting, bearing or gear noise, or Improper clutch operation. The above mentioned complaints may be caused by the transmission top cover protruding beyond the front face of the transmission, resulting in transmission to engine misalignment If the vehicle exhibits an of the complaints noted, proceed as follows:



Raise and support vehicle.
Using a 0.005 inch feeler gauge or shim, check for gaps between transmission and clutch housing.
If a gap or separation is noted, check for interference between top cover and clutch housing. If interference exists, proceed to next step.
Loosen, but do not remove, transmission to clutch housing attaching bolts.
Remove transmission to cover, then grind excess material from forward side of cover until proper transmission to clutch housing clearance is
obtained. Deburr ground edges.



Wash cover with suitable solvent then torque transmission to clutch housing attaching bolts to 100 ft. lbs .
Install reworked top cover, using a new gasket.
Torque top cover attaching bolts to 20 ft. lbs. , then lower vehicle.

[1976Scottsdale]

Wrong kind for me anyway.  Mine is the big heavy toploader model that has the reverse rail that reaches like 9" down to the bottom of the case.  No big deal though, got mad at it and kept its twin brother, scrapped the other one along with the NP205 and old front axle and drivelines... well, they are all on the trailer anyway.

[76_Scottsdale]

Mine too is the top loading with internal rails, the pics are for the other kind. I guess I just need to line up the gear selectors and push it down in there.

[VileZambonie]

So are you saying you removed the top plate with the shift forks? If so you need to have the trans in the correct range first...

Move the reverse shifter fork so that reverse idler gear is partially engaged before attempting to remove cover. Forks must be positioned so rear edge of the slot in the reverse fork is in line with the front edge of the slot in the forward forks as viewed through tower opening.