Gear shift problems - 3Speed Colomn Shift

[Paul C10]

Hi All,

I am from South Africa & have a '79 C10 (RHD). (250 I6 with 3 Speed three on tree - Custom Deluxe) It went to the shop recently for paint work & they also overhauled the engine, suspension rebuild etc etc. (Not happy with the shop, lessons learned) I got it back this past weekend most of the work is ok but have a issue with gear change. The gear shifter mechanism is loose & I struggle to select any gear. The guys at the shop told me they did adjust the linkages etc. I assume I have to readjust & check all the linkages at the gearbox and remove/check the shifter on the colomn shift. (It's very loose & it seems it's damaged.)

What I want to know to inspect the colomn shifter, do I have to remove the steering wheel, indicator switch & ignition in order to remove the shifter mechanism ? I am a newbie in this regard and will appreciate any advise before I start.

Let me know please.
Paul van der Merwe

[Jason S]

Howdy Paul,

First, I would love to see more photos of your truck.  Any and all details that you can show would be very interesting to see.

For your issue:
For most of the US vehicles with column shift 3-speed transmissions that I've dealt with: Adjustments for the shifter should be located under the vehicle at the transmission. This has applied to GM, Ford and Chrysler cars and trucks. The only reason I've had to remove the upper column parts (steering wheel, turn signal, etc.) is when there has been a problem with the shift tube itself.  Problems with the shift tube that I've encountered are the portion of the shift tube that engage the shifter arm.  I've only encountered this issue on Ford trucks and it was easily welded back. 

Double check procedures with the '79 Chevrolet Truck shop manual found in the Tech Section, and remember it is applicable to US models. 

The method I've always used (be sure to chock the tires) is : Set column shifter to neutral position. Disconnect the linkage at the transmission and ensure the transmission shifter arms are set to neutral. Make sure the shifter is set to the neutral position and the shifter arms on the column are in alignment.  Then adjust the swivel on the shifter rods (rods from shifter arms on column going to transmission) to the point they swivels insert into the the transmission shifter arms. Then check shifter function.

[Paul C10]

Hi Jason,

Thanks for the feedback, attached couple of pics of my truck.  I think there is a problem with the shift tube itself as well, it's loose and goes all the way down. Therefor, if I want to inspect the inside of the shift tube do I have to remove the steering wheel , indicator switch etc ? Is that the only way ? I will use your advise & start by adjusting the linkages at the transmission & then see what do I need to do with the shift tube. My truck is mechanically almost identical to the US versions, but the dashboard , rear end section etc is different. You dont see a lot of C10's in RHD versions. (Most of the plastic parts are marked with GM "Canada" , this truck was built by GMSA during '79.)

Thanks
Paul

[Boone83K10]

First off... that is one cool truck.

You don't see 3 on the tree's at all, much less a RHD truck!!!!

It would be such a weird feeling to be driving and shifting on the right side of the truck.


MORE PICS!!!!!


But like Jason said, most of the adjustment is down near the transmission.

[Jason S]

Thank you for posting the photos.  If you have any additional photos, I'm sure others would love to see them as much as I would. 

I think there is a problem with the shift tube itself as well, it's loose and goes all the way down. Therefor, if I want to inspect the inside of the shift tube do I have to remove the steering wheel , indicator switch etc ? Is that the only way ?

In general, to remove the actual shift tube in the column, you have to remove the steering wheel and the direction signal switch, etc.  If you decide that you need to tear into the column; you might be time ahead by just removing the whole column from the truck (not overly difficult) and tearing it apart on a workbench versus doing the work inside the truck.

[Paul C10]

Hi,

The past weekend I removed the steering wheel etc & found the problem.  The gear shifter housing is broken, the middle shaft section was completely torn off (Picture attached).  Because I stay in South Africa it will be difficult to get hold of a spare one, checked around and the only one I can find is for a '84 - 85 W/tilt, wont work.  Can that section be welded back in?

Please advise.

Paul

[rich weyand]

Probably not, at least not so it will last.  That metal is hard to weld, and the integrity of the pieces is suspect.  On a break like that, it will separate first on one side, then the other side will fatigue fail.  This results in all sorts of -- what would you call them?-- micro-cracks, I guess -- throughout the material.  The broken out piece is probably also deformed.

One option is to mount an aftermarket floor shifter.  That's what I did on my 66 Chevelle for a similar problem back in the day.

I think all the aftermarket steering columns are for automatics.

There are a bunch of steering columns with 3-on-the-tree at http://www.car-part.com.  Not sure if anyone will ship to S.A.  You could email them.  I don't see the shifter piece for sale separately.

It may be worth a try to fix it.  They might be able to do it with some soft nickel rod and a tig setup.  Only the shop will be able to tell you for sure once they see the item.

BTW, I think that part is called the "gear shift lever bowl". 

[Irish_Alley]

buy the tilt steering. talk to the shop that broke your shifter see if they will buy it for you or split the cost

[Rickster]

Set column shifter to neutral position. Disconnect the linkage at the transmission and ensure the transmission shifter arms are set to neutral. Make sure the shifter is set to the neutral position and the shifter arms on the column are in alignment.  Then adjust the swivel on the shifter rods (rods from shifter arms on column going to transmission) to the point they swivels insert into the the transmission shifter arms. Then check shifter function.

Thanks for info.  This may work out better for me.
This procedure different than what is in the service manual which did not work out well.  The manual starts with having shifters in reverse position.  Then 1st, reverse shifter is to be pushed down to remove 'LASH'.  This just did not work out for me.[/size]