Truck Troubles - Need some guidance!

[sgraham1]

Hey all!

I posted a couple months back about some issues with my 3 on the tree shifter. Original issues was that the truck would only get in gear when rolling.

The other day I went to drive her, and I could not get in gear at all. After much struggling, I finally got the truck in gear, but the shifter is located somewhere between neutral and first, and feels like I'm starting off in third gear.

There was also quite a bit of really acrid smelling smoke coming from around the transmission.

I'm taking her in to the mechanic this weekend, but I'm really worried I've got a giant bill coming my way!

Is this something you guys have experienced in the past, and what (affordable) remedies did you find helped out?

Thanks all!

[65 C20]

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=215307
Check out this thread for adjustment.

[sgraham1]

Thanks for the response!!

I've checked out that post before. I could totally be wrong, but everything looks to be in order. With the addition of the smoke coming from the transmission area, I'm concerned there is a larger issue at play.

thanks!

[rattle69]

Sounds like you might be burning up the clutch. Perhaps a stretched clutch cable or something not disengaging the clutch all of the way. Will it shift into gear when not running.

[sgraham1]

Hey @rattle69!

No, it will barely shift into gear when it's running. When not running, shifting is impossible.

thanks!

[hugger6933]

so with the engine turn off you can't run the shifter through the gears?

[sgraham1]

@hugger6933

That's correct! If in neutral, I can move the shifter through the "neutral space", but if I'm in gear, it won't come out.

thanks!

[Redline novdog]

Not an expert, but (correct me if I'm wrong), can the three on the tree hang9jam) in two gears at once??? I believe this happened in my fathers truck 30yrs ago.Just a thought!

[Jurassic-1]

Have you checked for oil in it? It could be low and not moving too well. That could also be the smell. Also when it is in neutral look under the hood you should see the shift arms under the column. There is a hole and notch which you can put a 1/4 inch drill bit through the linkages after they are lined up. It should go through easily if not simply adjust it at the trans until it lines up. Finally check your pedal adjustment.

[bretcopsey]

I found this video for shifter adjustment very helpful, pretty much covers the same steps outlined in the thread linked above. It took me less than an hour to get mine sorted out. I advise against fully removing the bolts from the collar as he does though.

http://youtu.be/2TCHzIvAvRQ

[sgraham1]

Thanks for the feedback!

I've watched that video before, and I'm pretty sure everything is in alignment. The only think I noticed though is that my selector has only about just more than a 1/16 th of an inch of play between 1/R and 2/3.

Could that be part of the problem?

Thanks!

[Custom/Ten]

Are you missing some of the rubber bushings, it won't adjust correct without them and gets jammed up and makes horrible grinding or just gets stuck in one gear and won't come out till you go under the hood and yank it out with your hand. It really sounds like missing bushings! It would also give you about 1/16 inch of play in the gear selectors. If they're all there then put it in gear, push in the clutch all the way and rev it up, if you hear a grinding your clutch may not be disengaging all the way, make sure your not jammed up before you do(by hand, under the hood). Pull the plug on your tranny and stick your pinky in the hole, see it you got any gear oil in there.