Shifter Binding
 

Aloha
1972, c20, 350/th350 column shifter

Recently it’s been difficult to shift out of park into reverse or other gears. But going up from drive to park it’s smooth. However there are instances where it’s even difficult from drive to reverse to park. It’s mainly the park to reverse. From ya’lls experience. Does it sound like a linkage or a trans? The linkage seems very simple outside of the column but inside I’m not sure how the linkage goes. My guy feeling is the linkage vs the trans. Thoughts? I just starting my trouble shooting.

Re: Shifter Binding
 

More likely old grease inside the column.
Might need cleaned out and re-lubed.

Re: Shifter Binding
 

Mine did this a while back and a shot of PB Blaster in the column cleared it up.

Re: Shifter Binding
 

I Might try that. From top or bottom? That sounds easy.

Re: Shifter Binding
 

From the bottom. Mine had a similar problem and I found the bushing at the bottom of the column was rusted up. I ended up pulling the column as spraying lube from the bottom was only a temporary solution.
To confirm it is the column disconnect the linkage at the transmission and try moving the shifter. If it is still stiff it is the column.

Re: Shifter Binding
 

I know it’s a temp fix until I can get parts. Thanks for the tips. It’s a band aide. :)

Re: Shifter Binding
 

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Try spraying some PB Blaster or other good penetrating oil (not WD-40) into the opening where the shift lever goes into the column. Use an extension and try to get it down inside the tube. Then put it in neutral and pull the lever up toward you and push it back down toward the dash a few times to see if it frees it up. Also spray some down at the bottom of the column where the shift levers are like others said......

LockDoc

Re: Shifter Binding
 

When spraying PB Blaster inside the cab, remember to put down plastic and rags to catch all of the gunk and liquid that will be coming out. It will last for quite a while. Then you will need to spray a lubricant onto the shift bowl and shift tube inside the column.

Re: Shifter Binding
 

I need to do this to my truck. It was hard to get into park in cold weather, and now it's that way all the time. I be that that nylon bushing on the shift lever is toast, too. Right after I can walk normally, I'll get on it.

Re: Shifter Binding
 

Thanks for all the help today. Sprayed some PB Blaster penetrating oil in the column and it seems to be working better. I know it’s a band aide until I can find a rebuilt column that I can get shipped to Hawaii.