63 C10 w/ TH350 Shift Linkage
 

Looking for any tips on setting up shift linkage on my project. Tried the Lokar universal kit but I am having issues with alignment allowing a smooth shift and I can't access all the gears. Best adjustment I can get allows me to shift to D but I cant grab 1st or 2nd. Running a 283 with a TH350 and factory column. Any help is appreciated

Re: 63 C10 w/ TH350 Shift Linkage
 

What column are you using?

Re: 63 C10 w/ TH350 Shift Linkage
 

I am using a factory auto column

Re: 63 C10 w/ TH350 Shift Linkage
 

Trying to look online and all the setups I see seem to be newer and don't have a crossmember coming across below the front of the trans. This wont allow me to rotate the shift arm on the transmission so it has to start about the 10-11 o'clock position and can only travel to 6-7 which doesn't give me enough travel to let the linkage move freely and is in also causing it to be in a bind. I could always bend the linkage rod to free it up some but lack of travel seems to be my biggest problem.

Re: 63 C10 w/ TH350 Shift Linkage
 

Did this column come originally on your truck?

Was your truck originally a 3 on the tree or 4 on the floor?

Re: 63 C10 w/ TH350 Shift Linkage
 

Well I inherited it from my grandfather so it's hard to tell exactly. The story is that it was 3 on the tree originally and he pulled the column from an automatic but I can't swear to it, long before my time.

Re: 63 C10 w/ TH350 Shift Linkage
 

Usually when you swap in a turbo 350, you need to remove the bellhousing crossmember and install a trans tailshaft crossmember.
Two reasons for that.
One is your linkage as you’ve found out.
Second is angle your motor sits at. If you view the engine centreline it needs to slope downward towards the tailshaft about 4 degrees. That allows minimal u-joint angles and keeps your carb level.
To get the tailshaft down to the right spot the bellhousing crossmember needs to be removed.

Re: 63 C10 w/ TH350 Shift Linkage
 

Ok, I appreciate the help. I will check that out. I did end up installing a tail shaft crossmember to mount the trans properly so the bellhousing crossmember isn't serving a purpose. I assumed I needed to leave it in there for structural reasons

Re: 63 C10 w/ TH350 Shift Linkage
 

Your tailshaft crossmember will act as structural support.

Re: 63 C10 w/ TH350 Shift Linkage
 

On my 64 I used a setup from an early 80s S10, rod down to a pivot that bolts to the frame, small arm from there to the trans, U-shaped piece on the trans.

Re: 63 C10 w/ TH350 Shift Linkage
 

Thanks to you both for the info, between the two ideas I think I might be able to get it handled now.