Help with sloppy column shifter... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

bs46488 · 09-08-2015, 01:23 PM

Hello,

I'm resurrecting a project truck from the PO.

Last month I got the truck back into running condition after many years with a BBC and a TH400 trans.

I hooked the trans up to the factory column shifter and it is really sloppy.

I searched and read a few threads and checked all the areas they were suggesting (bushings @ trans, bushing @ end of column, loose/adjust linkage, worn indents on column end) and everything is rock solid there.

Here is where I found all the movement in the shifter. I can wiggle the sifter back and forth and watch that section (with the red arrow) move on the column. It does not move one little bit on the other end of the column or at the trans connection.

(For those of you wondering, yes my seat is an upside down milk create)

**tdangle** · 09-08-2015, 01:53 PM

Mine was quite sloppy too. Had a bunch of play forward and back causing the pointer to hit the lens frame. I ended up fashioning a shim spacer out of some pvc pipe and was better. Never really figured out why it had so much play. Would love to just put a new tilt column in but big bucks $$$. I'm subscribing to this thread, maybe we can both get some answers.

**raggedjim** · 09-08-2015, 04:37 PM

That collar fits over a key on the shift tube and the shift lever inserts into a hole in that key. I have my column apart and will take pics tonight.

tdangle, you may have been missing this part

Good luck, Rg

**tdangle** · 09-08-2015, 07:09 PM

Strange a piece would be missing, but it makes sense. I just cant imagine that my dad would have ever taken apart the steering column and he was the original owner.

Wish I could ask him.

**raggedjim** · 09-08-2015, 08:39 PM

Key on shift tube and collar on shift tube. The collar fits pretty tight around the key, it shouldn't have much play. The end of the shift lever fits in the hole in the key. Hope these help. Rg

**raggedjim** · 09-08-2015, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tdangle

Strange a piece would be missing, but it makes sense. I just cant imagine that my dad would have ever taken apart the steering column and he was the original owner.

Wish I could ask him.

I know what you mean, my dad died a couple years ago.

Now that I think about it you may want to check the bottom end of the column. There should be a bottom bearing, spring, then a washer that tends to force the shaft downward. Good luck, Rg

09-08-2015, 01:23 PM	#1
bs46488 Registered User Join Date: May 2014 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 547	Help with sloppy column shifter... Hello, I'm resurrecting a project truck from the PO. Last month I got the truck back into running condition after many years with a BBC and a TH400 trans. I hooked the trans up to the factory column shifter and it is really sloppy. I searched and read a few threads and checked all the areas they were suggesting (bushings @ trans, bushing @ end of column, loose/adjust linkage, worn indents on column end) and everything is rock solid there. Here is where I found all the movement in the shifter. I can wiggle the sifter back and forth and watch that section (with the red arrow) move on the column. It does not move one little bit on the other end of the column or at the trans connection. (For those of you wondering, yes my seat is an upside down milk create)

09-08-2015, 01:53 PM	#2
tdangle Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Jurupa Valley, Ca Posts: 1,210	Re: Help with sloppy column shifter... Mine was quite sloppy too. Had a bunch of play forward and back causing the pointer to hit the lens frame. I ended up fashioning a shim spacer out of some pvc pipe and was better. Never really figured out why it had so much play. Would love to just put a new tilt column in but big bucks $$$. I'm subscribing to this thread, maybe we can both get some answers. __________________ Terry 1970 Custom Camper/C20 , GM Crate 350/7004R, Dana 60, factory AC

09-08-2015, 04:37 PM	#3
raggedjim Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Murray, Kentucky Posts: 3,402	Re: Help with sloppy column shifter... That collar fits over a key on the shift tube and the shift lever inserts into a hole in that key. I have my column apart and will take pics tonight. tdangle, you may have been missing this part Good luck, Rg Attached Images __________________ Roger '68 Short step - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=849675 '69 ('70?) 2wd Blazer '70 GMC Jimmy 2wd

09-08-2015, 07:09 PM	#4
tdangle Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Jurupa Valley, Ca Posts: 1,210	Re: Help with sloppy column shifter... Strange a piece would be missing, but it makes sense. I just cant imagine that my dad would have ever taken apart the steering column and he was the original owner. Wish I could ask him. __________________ Terry 1970 Custom Camper/C20 , GM Crate 350/7004R, Dana 60, factory AC

09-08-2015, 08:39 PM	#5
raggedjim Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Murray, Kentucky Posts: 3,402	Re: Help with sloppy column shifter... Key on shift tube and collar on shift tube. The collar fits pretty tight around the key, it shouldn't have much play. The end of the shift lever fits in the hole in the key. Hope these help. Rg Attached Images __________________ Roger '68 Short step - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=849675 '69 ('70?) 2wd Blazer '70 GMC Jimmy 2wd



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