Posted by Dennis (152.163.213.77) on May 21, 2001 at 16:12:26:
In Reply to: Manual trans question posted by Jeff Ellis on May 21, 2001 at 11:43:37:
First thing I would check is the neutral alignment. If the 3/4 linkage is off from the R/1, it can put pressure on the syncronizers & make things hard to shift, although usually you'll notice it more when going from R/1 to 3/4 or visa versa. With the car in neutral, both rods on the end of the column should be ligned up. There is a hole in the base of each arm and another in the column. A small rod (I use a snug fitting allen key) should slide through all 3 holes. If not, loosen up the adjustment bolts at the linkage where it connects to the transmission arms & move the linkage untill everything lines up & the key slides into all of them. Then retighten the adjustment nuts. Second make sure there is no play in the linkage where it attaches to the arm up near the column. If there is, you can buy new insulators from Ford. Part # is EOSZ-7341-B. Last, It could be that the shift tube itself is just worn out, in which case, is a good excuse to go to a floor shifter. In case anyones interested, I have a Hurst shifter for these cars which I bought new back in 72 for my Sprint. Make me an offer I cant refuse.