Column shifter loose - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

cerebus · 05-13-2009, 10:43 AM

What are the possible causes or solutions for my really loose column shifter (TH350 auto).

It can slide from R-N-D way too easy. Almost slip out of D while driving.

cerebus · 05-13-2009, 12:37 PM

Anyone?

cerebus · 05-13-2009, 01:50 PM

So a buddy of mine brought up it might be the "detents" on the transmission?

Any thoughts?

**Wrenchbender Ret** · 05-13-2009, 04:30 PM

From neutral to dr. dr2 & low are pretty much in the trans. The selector has lock outs for park & r down on the lower part of the column. Sometimes the up & down movement of the tube inside the column gets sticky or stuck & wont let it drop in or is hard to raise to shift.

Longhorn Man · 05-13-2009, 07:43 PM

in a non tilt column, it is more likely than not, the shifter.
As mentioned, the tube sticks and binds, and it won't freely fall into the detents on the column. Its a very crappy design.
You can take it apart and rebuild it, or swap it out for a tilt that has a much better set up... and the tilt. Truck tilts are a little expensive, and van ones can be stupid cheap, but take a few small mods to make them work

cerebus · 05-13-2009, 11:45 PM

Thanks for the input.

dan42 · 05-14-2009, 09:50 AM

There is a little rubber grommet on the end of the shifter lever - Mine was real sloppy and when I pulled the shifter lever, it was missing - replace that rubber piece and it makes a huge difference.

cerebus · 05-14-2009, 10:52 AM

Thanks Dan, hopefully its the easy fix

gcburdic · 05-14-2009, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dan42

There is a little rubber grommet on the end of the shifter lever - Mine was real sloppy and when I pulled the shifter lever, it was missing - replace that rubber piece and it makes a huge difference.

Hey Dan42....Good Info....Where did you get the rubber grommet??

threeDguru · 10-21-2009, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

in a non tilt column, it is more likely than not, the shifter.
As mentioned, the tube sticks and binds, and it won't freely fall into the detents on the column. Its a very crappy design.
You can take it apart and rebuild it, or swap it out for a tilt that has a much better set up... and the tilt. Truck tilts are a little expensive, and van ones can be stupid cheap, but take a few small mods to make them work

Where can i buy the rebuild for the NON-tilt column, everywhere i search its Tilt Column this, Tilt Column that, for Chevy sakes I dont want a tilt.

cdowns · 10-21-2009, 01:47 PM

a cheap thing to try is just spray the crap out of every moving part you can see or reach with a can of WD40 // sometimes just clearing out that 40 year accumulation will help

**FRENCHBLUE72** · 10-21-2009, 02:24 PM

Mine was just frozen and i used the wd-40 trick too bad the bearings are all wore out..

threeDguru · 10-21-2009, 03:16 PM

what about the plastic bushing on the end of the shift lever? anyone know if this is readily available at auto parts stores?

Dan-K · 10-21-2009, 04:39 PM

I just went through the same process with mine. I took the shift linkage apart and re-assembled it. The rubber piece was shot so I put in an exhaust hanger grommet and that shored it up pretty good. There are a couple of small springs attached to the linkage and you can either attempt to stretch them out or put stronger ones in. This helped alot but the rest of the problem lies within my forty year old never been re-built turbo 350.

slowboy · 11-25-2016, 11:15 AM

I've looked on here, but can't seem to locate answer I need so I'll ask here...I know it's an old thread and I apologize...

...my column shifter doesn't seem to line up in park where my truck will start...I keep having to move it back and forth in Park position to get it in right position before it'll start...

again I'm sorry and thanks,
Keith

kaycee · 11-25-2016, 11:47 AM

Slowboy sounds like you NSS (NUETRAL SAFETY SWITCH) may need adjusted or replaced . It is on the lower part of steering colum held in by a couple screws that allow you some adjustment .

slowboy · 11-27-2016, 09:45 AM

thanks for reply Kaycee...do you have a picture of this switch's exact location?...

I looked and didn't seem to see it...I did see that an apparent bushing is gone at the [shift adjustment rod, at the top of column under the hood...

made a bushing from a piece of bronze I/2" x 5/8" x .340" ...it took most of the sloop out of shifter, but still seems to need a little adjustment to be on NSS 'sweet-spot' when in 'Park'...how can I adjust this please?...I still have to raise up on column shifter sometimes when I start my truck...not a lot, but some, sometimes...thank you

slowboy · 11-27-2016, 09:46 AM

" slop " not " sloop "

kaycee · 11-27-2016, 03:56 PM

This is close to how it looks it is inside cab by firewall on the steering tube
https://www.opgi-static.com/common/9779665-lrg.jpg

kaycee · 11-27-2016, 03:59 PM

Does this work ? bear with me on this freeking computer
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1403060355

LongBox · 11-27-2016, 05:36 PM

Mine was stiff, and the cab shift lever did not want to "drop" down, so I got a can of the Silicone lube WD 40, which is supposed to be safe for rubber, and really sprayed the heck out of the shift lever pivot, and down into the sleeve from all sides. I used a rag to catch the extra. I also sprayed the mechanism under the hood, and the results were really good. The detents are distinct now, and the lever drops down into the detents when you let it go.

I still have a problem that I sometimes have to move the lever a bit past "D" (to the right) when I'm shifting from N to D. I'm sure there is an adjustment on the linkage under the hood, and when the weather is better, I'm going to get out there and figure it out.

And hey! Now I have that happy WD-40 smell in the cab...

05-13-2009, 10:43 AM	#1
cerebus Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Saskatoon Posts: 100	Column shifter loose What are the possible causes or solutions for my really loose column shifter (TH350 auto). It can slide from R-N-D way too easy. Almost slip out of D while driving. __________________ -- Tall, Dark and Handsome... Or so my mother says -- There is no fate, but the fate we make.

05-13-2009, 12:37 PM	#2
cerebus Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Saskatoon Posts: 100	Re: Column shifter loose Anyone? __________________ -- Tall, Dark and Handsome... Or so my mother says -- There is no fate, but the fate we make.

05-13-2009, 01:50 PM	#3
cerebus Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Saskatoon Posts: 100	Re: Column shifter loose So a buddy of mine brought up it might be the "detents" on the transmission? Any thoughts? __________________ -- Tall, Dark and Handsome... Or so my mother says -- There is no fate, but the fate we make.

05-13-2009, 04:30 PM	#4
Wrenchbender Ret Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Overland Park, Ks. Posts: 5,195	Re: Column shifter loose From neutral to dr. dr2 & low are pretty much in the trans. The selector has lock outs for park & r down on the lower part of the column. Sometimes the up & down movement of the tube inside the column gets sticky or stuck & wont let it drop in or is hard to raise to shift. Last edited by Wrenchbender Ret; 05-13-2009 at 04:31 PM.

05-13-2009, 07:43 PM	#5
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Column shifter loose in a non tilt column, it is more likely than not, the shifter. As mentioned, the tube sticks and binds, and it won't freely fall into the detents on the column. Its a very crappy design. You can take it apart and rebuild it, or swap it out for a tilt that has a much better set up... and the tilt. Truck tilts are a little expensive, and van ones can be stupid cheap, but take a few small mods to make them work

05-13-2009, 11:45 PM	#6
cerebus Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Saskatoon Posts: 100	Re: Column shifter loose Thanks for the input. __________________ -- Tall, Dark and Handsome... Or so my mother says -- There is no fate, but the fate we make.

05-14-2009, 09:50 AM	#7
dan42 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cali Central Coast Posts: 5,191	Re: Column shifter loose There is a little rubber grommet on the end of the shifter lever - Mine was real sloppy and when I pulled the shifter lever, it was missing - replace that rubber piece and it makes a huge difference. __________________ '67 SWB Fleetside ZZ4/350/Tremec 5-speed/4link/Scott's IFS - and fun as heck! SOLD Click here to support the board Philippians 4: 6-7

05-14-2009, 10:52 AM	#8
cerebus Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Saskatoon Posts: 100	Re: Column shifter loose Thanks Dan, hopefully its the easy fix __________________ -- Tall, Dark and Handsome... Or so my mother says -- There is no fate, but the fate we make.

10-21-2009, 01:47 PM	#11
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Column shifter loose a cheap thing to try is just spray the crap out of every moving part you can see or reach with a can of WD40 // sometimes just clearing out that 40 year accumulation will help __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

10-21-2009, 02:24 PM	#12
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,590	Re: Column shifter loose Mine was just frozen and i used the wd-40 trick too bad the bearings are all wore out.. __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

10-21-2009, 03:16 PM	#13
threeDguru Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Conroe, Texas Posts: 43	Re: Column shifter loose what about the plastic bushing on the end of the shift lever? anyone know if this is readily available at auto parts stores?

10-21-2009, 04:39 PM	#14
Dan-K Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Ft.Collins, Co. Posts: 99	Re: Column shifter loose I just went through the same process with mine. I took the shift linkage apart and re-assembled it. The rubber piece was shot so I put in an exhaust hanger grommet and that shored it up pretty good. There are a couple of small springs attached to the linkage and you can either attempt to stretch them out or put stronger ones in. This helped alot but the rest of the problem lies within my forty year old never been re-built turbo 350.

11-25-2016, 11:15 AM	#15
slowboy Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: WINSTON SALEM, NC Posts: 101	Re: Column shifter loose I've looked on here, but can't seem to locate answer I need so I'll ask here...I know it's an old thread and I apologize... ...my column shifter doesn't seem to line up in park where my truck will start...I keep having to move it back and forth in Park position to get it in right position before it'll start... again I'm sorry and thanks, Keith

11-25-2016, 11:47 AM	#16
kaycee Registered User Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Wyoming USA Posts: 2,445	Re: Column shifter loose Slowboy sounds like you NSS (NUETRAL SAFETY SWITCH) may need adjusted or replaced . It is on the lower part of steering colum held in by a couple screws that allow you some adjustment . __________________ 2001 Silverado K-1500 2005 FXDWG stage3 69 CHEVY Short/Step 327/4L60 373 posi 63 IMPALA 327

11-27-2016, 09:45 AM	#17
slowboy Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: WINSTON SALEM, NC Posts: 101	Re: Column shifter loose thanks for reply Kaycee...do you have a picture of this switch's exact location?... I looked and didn't seem to see it...I did see that an apparent bushing is gone at the [shift adjustment rod, at the top of column under the hood... made a bushing from a piece of bronze I/2" x 5/8" x .340" ...it took most of the sloop out of shifter, but still seems to need a little adjustment to be on NSS 'sweet-spot' when in 'Park'...how can I adjust this please?...I still have to raise up on column shifter sometimes when I start my truck...not a lot, but some, sometimes...thank you Attached Images



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11-27-2016, 09:46 AM	#18
slowboy Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: WINSTON SALEM, NC Posts: 101	Re: Column shifter loose " slop " not " sloop "

11-27-2016, 03:56 PM	#19
kaycee Registered User Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Wyoming USA Posts: 2,445	Re: Column shifter loose This is close to how it looks it is inside cab by firewall on the steering tube https://www.opgi-static.com/common/9779665-lrg.jpg __________________ 2001 Silverado K-1500 2005 FXDWG stage3 69 CHEVY Short/Step 327/4L60 373 posi 63 IMPALA 327 Last edited by kaycee; 11-27-2016 at 04:04 PM. Reason: DELETE

11-27-2016, 03:59 PM	#20
kaycee Registered User Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Wyoming USA Posts: 2,445	Re: Column shifter loose Does this work ? bear with me on this freeking computer http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1403060355 __________________ 2001 Silverado K-1500 2005 FXDWG stage3 69 CHEVY Short/Step 327/4L60 373 posi 63 IMPALA 327

11-27-2016, 05:36 PM	#21
LongBox Registered User Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Vancouver BC Posts: 784	Re: Column shifter loose Mine was stiff, and the cab shift lever did not want to "drop" down, so I got a can of the Silicone lube WD 40, which is supposed to be safe for rubber, and really sprayed the heck out of the shift lever pivot, and down into the sleeve from all sides. I used a rag to catch the extra. I also sprayed the mechanism under the hood, and the results were really good. The detents are distinct now, and the lever drops down into the detents when you let it go. I still have a problem that I sometimes have to move the lever a bit past "D" (to the right) when I'm shifting from N to D. I'm sure there is an adjustment on the linkage under the hood, and when the weather is better, I'm going to get out there and figure it out. And hey! Now I have that happy WD-40 smell in the cab... __________________ Rick -69 GMC 910 Long Box, 350 -98 Chev Silverado 1500, 350 Vortec 4L60e -08 Mustang GT Convertible

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