'40 Column Shift Adjustment.

Enbloc

Enbloc

Senior Member
What is the procedure, factory or otherwise, for setting up the linkage rods on a '40 column shift?
 
Pretty simple :)
First, be certain all the bushings are in good condition - NOT worn out. The adjustment will do little good if they are.
With the transmission in neutral, install each rod on the transmission forks.
Next, have the shifting forks on the column lined up with one another in the 3 o'clock position. Maintain this position when installing the rods.
Each rod should go in to the column fork smoothly. Adjust the length of each rod according to allow this smooth fit in to the upper fork(s).
That's it!
 
A side note...I replace what was left of the bushing's on my '48 at 230,000, and the differnce in shifting was absolutely wonderful. Get rid of all slop. You may have to bush or otherwise fiddle with hard parts if badly worn.
 
Thanks for the info.

Bushes/shifter/gearbox are all new.
I took the linkage rods off, restored, and put back on as they came off. It has been shifting fine but lately every now and then it will hang up on the shifter when you try and put it into first gear.
 
A word to the wise! After installing everything, be sure, absolutely sure, your transmission forks are both properly placed in neutral before starting the car. Don't ask me why I say this. You can tear up the input gear in a second if you don't. Get under the car, and confirm both forks are properly positioned.
 
Kube said:
Just to be certain... did you put the rods UP in to the arms on the column?
Click to expand...

Yes.

The car has been on the road 2 years working fine. I never adusted the linkage because it always worked and worked well. Its only just recently I noticed a couple of hang ups.

Just checked the column levers and the 1st/reverse level is sitting at more of a 4 'o' clock position. Will adjust and report back.
 
Enbloc said:
Yes.

The car has been on the road 2 years working fine. I never adusted the linkage because it always worked and worked well. Its only just recently I noticed a couple of hang ups.

Just checked the column levers and the 1st/reverse level is sitting at more of a 4 'o' clock position. Will adjust and report back.
Click to expand...
You know it's tough without being there to diagnose this but you really seem to have a great grasp on it.
I would strongly suggest you get both arms at 3 o'clock as precisely as you can and adjust the rods to that.
You mentioned the gearbox was new. Are you certain all is okay there?
 
any one here ever have a problem with second gear rod hitting the Alum OFFEY head. Mine was doing so and not allowing it to shift completely into second. Had t adjust quite a bit to get it correct (or at least until it did not hit )

frederic
 
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