3spd Automatic column linkage - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Markedz · 10-27-2011, 12:18 PM

Hello all, I have a question regarding the linkage assembly at the column. I have a 70 C20 and the shift lever seems too sloppy. I have traced the linkage up from the transmission and replaced bushings and pivot points along the way. I have also lubed everything up and checked the spring that keeps the lever from coming forward. The problem seems to be in two places; The first is at the indentations just outside the fire wall off of the column itself. I am trying to find a way to adjust this so that when I shift from "P" to "R" the indicator is right, the reverse lights come on and it is actually in Reverse.
The second item is just general sloppiness with the gear shift itself and the collar that it attaches to.
Does anyone know how to adjust the notched part of the column so you can adjust where the shifter comes to rest?
Does anyone know a kit to rebuild the typically worn parts in the column where the collar and actual shifter are with some instruction? or have an exploded view? My repair manual does not have any info on any of it.
Attached are the pics of the above, thanks.

**DaHos** · 10-27-2011, 09:10 PM

Ill join in. Mine does the same, just haven't got to looking at it.????

**oldgold70c10** · 10-28-2011, 08:23 PM

A little advice:
Get a factory service manual for your year truck. You can sometimes get used copies on the parts board, or a reprint from most vendors. These manuals are worth their weight in gold for just the illustrations they contain.

At the top end of the rod that goes from the column to the transmission is a collar with a bolt. Put the trans in park and then loosen the bolt. Without letting the rod or transmission linkage move, set the column handle & indicator to the park position. Don't let anything move and tighten the bolt. Shift thru the gers and make sure everything is where you want it. The only way to adjust the notched plate is to loosen the steering column mount clamps and rotate the column. Do this only if you don't have enough extra rod sticking thru the collar to get it adjusted.

Until you can get all the slop out of the linkage, it will be hard for it to be right. Most companies that sell resto parts for older chevy cars had the rubber and plastic bushings that go at the top & bottom of the rod. I think a few truck parts vendors have them to. As an aftermarket alternative, Lokar makes a very nice linkage kit to replace the rod that goes from the column to the transmission.

**truckdude239** · 10-29-2011, 10:49 AM

Mine was like that i i unbolted mine slide the handle into park then tighted the bolt back down

Markedz · 10-29-2011, 10:53 AM

Truckdude, You unbolted yours? Your what... and how?

**truckdude239** · 10-29-2011, 11:11 AM

there is a bolt on the back of that loosen it and move your shifter handle into the park spot and then tighten the bolt back down

Markedz · 10-29-2011, 02:48 PM

That is not exactly the problem... It is the relationship from the notched piece on the column to the indicator at the steering wheel that is off. If you remove that linkage totally and put the shift into park the indicator is off the map as seen in the other picture... That is what I am trying to correct.

**oldgold70c10** · 10-29-2011, 05:25 PM

In looking at your picture, the plate is not off, your linkage is. The lever on the column should still be resting on the plate in park position, not off the end as you see it in your picture. The little bump in the middle of the wide segment of the plate is the stop you have to lift the gear shift handle to clear to shift from park to reverse. Loosen the bolt as I and truckdude described to move it to the correct position. If you do this, the indicator will be in the right spot when in park, and everything else will also line up. I added some notes to try and describe to you what I'm talking about.

Markedz · 10-29-2011, 05:35 PM

oldgold, I understand what you are saying but the fact remains that when that notch you describe is seated in the park position the indicator is still way off. It has nothing to do with the linkage to the tranny. If I disconnect the transmission linkage and put the column in park the indicator is off to the left, beyond the "P". There has to be an adjustment on the column itself so that when it is in the park notch as seen in picture one that the indicator is in the right position.

**oldgold70c10** · 10-29-2011, 05:45 PM

Here are a few pics I took of mine with some notes. This should help you and others with this problem. If you have a lot of slack in the linkage from worn or missing bushings, it may be hard to get the trans shifted in park without the lever going off the plate. You can see the rubber bushing that goes at the top end in my photos.

Markedz · 10-29-2011, 05:49 PM

Thanks for the photos... They always help. One question though... If the notch is still on the plate and not off the end then that would mean you merely have to pull down on the shifter to get it out of park instead of having to pull it towards you to disengage it from off the end, right?...

**oldgold70c10** · 10-29-2011, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Markedz

Thanks for the photos... They always help. One question though... If the notch is still on the plate and not off the end then that would mean you merely have to pull down on the shifter to get it out of park instead of having to pull it towards you to disengage it from off the end, right?...

Look at your photo I added the notes on. That little "bump" on the plate is the stop that you have to lift the handle for to go from park to reverse. If it is badly worn or the edges rounded off, it may not do its job. Here is a picture of the reverse position with the bump separating reverse and park:

Markedz · 10-29-2011, 06:25 PM

Man o man oldgold... The issue has been discovered! You are right about the notch and position. It did not seem right on mine because the notch was completely worn down so I thought it was supposed to be off the edge. Your pictures were VERY helpful and I appreciate your time and patience. How do I go about getting that plate out of there so I can weld a new notch... Got any experience with that scenario? I still do not even know what that is called, the manual does not even give it a name. Makes it a little hard to as how the heck to get it out of there.

**oldgold70c10** · 10-29-2011, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Markedz

Man o man oldgold... The issue has been discovered! You are right about the notch and position. It did not seem right on mine because the notch was completely worn down so I thought it was supposed to be off the edge. Your pictures were VERY helpful and I appreciate your time and patience. How do I go about getting that plate out of there so I can weld a new notch... Got any experience with that scenario? I still do not even know what that is called, the manual does not even give it a name. Makes it a little hard to as how the heck to get it out of there.

Thanks! I'm glad I could help

The manual calls it a selector (detent) plate in the text. Unfortunately, the manual lets us down a bit on not having illustrations of some optional equipment, like the auto column, but it does describe it in the text on rebuilding the 3-speed manual column as they share a lot in common.

My notch is still there enough that it works, so I can't offer anything there. I'll be interested in seeing what you come up with, because I will be there eventually with mine.

89AKurt · 02-11-2016, 03:33 AM

Good information, appreciate pictures.

Mellis402 · 03-23-2016, 11:30 PM

Thanks so much, all of you! I have been losing sleep for the past two weeks because I have the same problem.

**3757chevy** · 04-06-2016, 11:53 PM

It must be something that happens a lot my daughters 72 c10 and my 72 k5 both have that issue.

**3757chevy** · 04-19-2016, 11:14 PM

where does one get an new detent selector plate if the notch is gone?

Smokeem · 04-30-2016, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3757chevy

where does one get an new detent selector plate if the notch is gone?

Interested to know this too! Trying to get my linkage all set up and PO must have always just pulled down and wore it flat.
Posted via Mobile Device

**3757chevy** · 07-21-2017, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smokeem

Interested to know this too! Trying to get my linkage all set up and PO must have always just pulled down and wore it flat.
Posted via Mobile Device

I guess no one has an answer for this problem, I have a friend that is going to build up the flat spot and file it back to stock spec , should work!

68gmsee · 07-22-2017, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3757chevy

I guess no one has an answer for this problem, I have a friend that is going to build up the flat spot and file it back to stock spec , should work!

That is about the only way to do it. I don't believe anyone makes these parts anymore. The only other thing a person can do is to try to locate one in a salvage yard. Most automatic transmission lower parts were similar for several years.

If you do find one you'll probably have buy the whole column and dismantle it to maintain original column.

btw: You can also post in the "want to buy" parts section. Never know. Someone may have it.

**haskell** · 01-25-2023, 06:24 PM

Still good advice. Thanks to all contributors

10-27-2011, 12:18 PM	#1
Markedz Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Scottsdale Posts: 28	3spd Automatic column linkage Hello all, I have a question regarding the linkage assembly at the column. I have a 70 C20 and the shift lever seems too sloppy. I have traced the linkage up from the transmission and replaced bushings and pivot points along the way. I have also lubed everything up and checked the spring that keeps the lever from coming forward. The problem seems to be in two places; The first is at the indentations just outside the fire wall off of the column itself. I am trying to find a way to adjust this so that when I shift from "P" to "R" the indicator is right, the reverse lights come on and it is actually in Reverse. The second item is just general sloppiness with the gear shift itself and the collar that it attaches to. Does anyone know how to adjust the notched part of the column so you can adjust where the shifter comes to rest? Does anyone know a kit to rebuild the typically worn parts in the column where the collar and actual shifter are with some instruction? or have an exploded view? My repair manual does not have any info on any of it. Attached are the pics of the above, thanks. Attached Images

10-27-2011, 09:10 PM	#2
DaHos Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Owosso, Michigan Posts: 2,853	Re: 3spd Automatic column linkage Ill join in. Mine does the same, just haven't got to looking at it.????

10-28-2011, 08:23 PM	#3
oldgold70c10 Who's got steelies? Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Morrison, Oklahoma Posts: 1,023	Re: 3spd Automatic column linkage A little advice: Get a factory service manual for your year truck. You can sometimes get used copies on the parts board, or a reprint from most vendors. These manuals are worth their weight in gold for just the illustrations they contain. At the top end of the rod that goes from the column to the transmission is a collar with a bolt. Put the trans in park and then loosen the bolt. Without letting the rod or transmission linkage move, set the column handle & indicator to the park position. Don't let anything move and tighten the bolt. Shift thru the gers and make sure everything is where you want it. The only way to adjust the notched plate is to loosen the steering column mount clamps and rotate the column. Do this only if you don't have enough extra rod sticking thru the collar to get it adjusted. Until you can get all the slop out of the linkage, it will be hard for it to be right. Most companies that sell resto parts for older chevy cars had the rubber and plastic bushings that go at the top & bottom of the rod. I think a few truck parts vendors have them to. As an aftermarket alternative, Lokar makes a very nice linkage kit to replace the rod that goes from the column to the transmission. __________________ 1969 C10 LWB W/ 250 I6 & 3spd 1970 C10 with '67 small window cab, 68 front end, blue; 305/TH350, 3.08 limited slip rear end, manual brakes, power steering; & 4-wheel drums-My daily driver. 1975 Chevelle Malibu Classic Coupe 350/th350 mint green 1970 C20 Suburban 350/700R4 4.10 gearing green & white 1978 Big 10 Silverado 350/th350, working ac, 2 tone blue-My summer daily driver 1983 GMC 1500 Sierra 305/SM465 2.73 rear end How to add a trip odometer to your 67-72 stock speedometer How to rebuild your Q-Jet My Truck Page My Youtube Channel

10-29-2011, 10:49 AM	#4
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,217	Re: 3spd Automatic column linkage Mine was like that i i unbolted mine slide the handle into park then tighted the bolt back down __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube

10-29-2011, 10:53 AM	#5
Markedz Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Scottsdale Posts: 28	Re: 3spd Automatic column linkage Truckdude, You unbolted yours? Your what... and how?

10-29-2011, 11:11 AM	#6
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,217	Re: 3spd Automatic column linkage there is a bolt on the back of that loosen it and move your shifter handle into the park spot and then tighten the bolt back down Attached Images __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube

10-29-2011, 02:48 PM	#7
Markedz Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Scottsdale Posts: 28	Re: 3spd Automatic column linkage That is not exactly the problem... It is the relationship from the notched piece on the column to the indicator at the steering wheel that is off. If you remove that linkage totally and put the shift into park the indicator is off the map as seen in the other picture... That is what I am trying to correct.

10-29-2011, 05:25 PM	#8
oldgold70c10 Who's got steelies? Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Morrison, Oklahoma Posts: 1,023	Re: 3spd Automatic column linkage In looking at your picture, the plate is not off, your linkage is. The lever on the column should still be resting on the plate in park position, not off the end as you see it in your picture. The little bump in the middle of the wide segment of the plate is the stop you have to lift the gear shift handle to clear to shift from park to reverse. Loosen the bolt as I and truckdude described to move it to the correct position. If you do this, the indicator will be in the right spot when in park, and everything else will also line up. I added some notes to try and describe to you what I'm talking about. Attached Images __________________ 1969 C10 LWB W/ 250 I6 & 3spd 1970 C10 with '67 small window cab, 68 front end, blue; 305/TH350, 3.08 limited slip rear end, manual brakes, power steering; & 4-wheel drums-My daily driver. 1975 Chevelle Malibu Classic Coupe 350/th350 mint green 1970 C20 Suburban 350/700R4 4.10 gearing green & white 1978 Big 10 Silverado 350/th350, working ac, 2 tone blue-My summer daily driver 1983 GMC 1500 Sierra 305/SM465 2.73 rear end How to add a trip odometer to your 67-72 stock speedometer How to rebuild your Q-Jet My Truck Page My Youtube Channel Last edited by oldgold70c10; 10-29-2011 at 05:33 PM.

10-29-2011, 05:35 PM	#9
Markedz Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Scottsdale Posts: 28	Re: 3spd Automatic column linkage oldgold, I understand what you are saying but the fact remains that when that notch you describe is seated in the park position the indicator is still way off. It has nothing to do with the linkage to the tranny. If I disconnect the transmission linkage and put the column in park the indicator is off to the left, beyond the "P". There has to be an adjustment on the column itself so that when it is in the park notch as seen in picture one that the indicator is in the right position.

10-29-2011, 05:45 PM	#10
oldgold70c10 Who's got steelies? Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Morrison, Oklahoma Posts: 1,023	Re: 3spd Automatic column linkage Here are a few pics I took of mine with some notes. This should help you and others with this problem. If you have a lot of slack in the linkage from worn or missing bushings, it may be hard to get the trans shifted in park without the lever going off the plate. You can see the rubber bushing that goes at the top end in my photos. Attached Images __________________ 1969 C10 LWB W/ 250 I6 & 3spd 1970 C10 with '67 small window cab, 68 front end, blue; 305/TH350, 3.08 limited slip rear end, manual brakes, power steering; & 4-wheel drums-My daily driver. 1975 Chevelle Malibu Classic Coupe 350/th350 mint green 1970 C20 Suburban 350/700R4 4.10 gearing green & white 1978 Big 10 Silverado 350/th350, working ac, 2 tone blue-My summer daily driver 1983 GMC 1500 Sierra 305/SM465 2.73 rear end How to add a trip odometer to your 67-72 stock speedometer How to rebuild your Q-Jet My Truck Page My Youtube Channel

10-29-2011, 05:49 PM	#11
Markedz Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Scottsdale Posts: 28	Re: 3spd Automatic column linkage Thanks for the photos... They always help. One question though... If the notch is still on the plate and not off the end then that would mean you merely have to pull down on the shifter to get it out of park instead of having to pull it towards you to disengage it from off the end, right?...

10-29-2011, 06:25 PM	#13
Markedz Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Scottsdale Posts: 28	Re: 3spd Automatic column linkage Man o man oldgold... The issue has been discovered! You are right about the notch and position. It did not seem right on mine because the notch was completely worn down so I thought it was supposed to be off the edge. Your pictures were VERY helpful and I appreciate your time and patience. How do I go about getting that plate out of there so I can weld a new notch... Got any experience with that scenario? I still do not even know what that is called, the manual does not even give it a name. Makes it a little hard to as how the heck to get it out of there. Attached Images

02-11-2016, 03:33 AM	#15
89AKurt Registered User Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Prescott Arizona Posts: 621	Re: 3spd Automatic column linkage Good information, appreciate pictures. __________________ 1968 Long Bed 2016 Honda Civic Coupe EX-T ticket magnet

03-23-2016, 11:30 PM	#16
Mellis402 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Omaha, Nebraska Posts: 1	Re: 3spd Automatic column linkage Thanks so much, all of you! I have been losing sleep for the past two weeks because I have the same problem.

04-06-2016, 11:53 PM	#17
3757chevy Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Near Canon City ,Colorado Posts: 3,847	Re: 3spd Automatic column linkage It must be something that happens a lot my daughters 72 c10 and my 72 k5 both have that issue.



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04-19-2016, 11:14 PM	#18
3757chevy Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Near Canon City ,Colorado Posts: 3,847	Re: 3spd Automatic column linkage where does one get an new detent selector plate if the notch is gone?

01-25-2023, 06:24 PM	#22
haskell Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 391	Re: 3spd Automatic column linkage Still good advice. Thanks to all contributors __________________ 1969 Chev Longhorn Custom Camper 1955 Buick Century Estate Wagon 1963 Buick Riviera 1953 Chevy 3100 Panel 1967 C-20 V8 4 speed 1951 Willys Jeep Wagon 1956 Chevy Suburban

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