shift rods

[cortezit]

We had to modify the shift rods on the "Smurf car" when the "F" transaxle (1989 Tracer donor car) and we have some "grinding" when we shift into reverse. The clutch etc are all brand new, This leads me to believe that we do not have the shift forks in their proper position. We will have to cut the rods and change the angle of the front of the rod to the back of the rod. Does anyone have any suggestions on how we will be able to achieve this? Has anyone else had to modify their shift rods for a particular application>

cortezit

[blkfordsedan]

If you put it in first gear to synchronize it, then shift into reverse, will it still crunch? I've driven many factory original cars that would crunch going in to reverse. Usually if you shift into a gear first it helps.

[nonamekid]

Reverse doesn't have a syncro, so you only go into reverse when you aren't moving. If you get a grind when you are moving and it is popping out of gear, the shifting rod is probably too short. You can check this by lifting up the boot and seeing if the shifter is hitting the edge of the opening.

[nitrofarm]

We had to modify the shift rods on the "Smurf car" when the "F" transaxle (1989 Tracer donor car) and we have some "grinding" when we shift into reverse. The clutch etc are all brand new, This leads me to believe that we do not have the shift forks in their proper position. We will have to cut the rods and change the angle of the front of the rod to the back of the rod. Does anyone have any suggestions on how we will be able to achieve this? Has anyone else had to modify their shift rods for a particular application>

cortezit

Yes I've done this,its quite easy.You make it adjustable I can post pics if you still need help.

[cortezit]

some flicks would be of great benefit. Thank you

[nitrofarm]

some flicks would be of great benefit. Thank you

Ask and you shall receive :thumbs_up: This will allow you to adjust shifter in two ways. 1)Fore/Aft 2)Allows you to set how the shifter leans towards/away from you. Make sure you tighten jam nut VERY tight. All this is done last after you have cut and welded the other main shifter tube.And of course this is all done for the reason of custom trans locating.

[cortezit]

This is a pretty slick solution to this problem. I have another "F" series transmission from another 1989 Mercury Tracer which I am going to have a tranny guru go through. It came out of a car whose owner was a fan of synthetic lubricants so it is in pretty good shape as it sits.

I want to make certain that after I complete the "Matt Dickmeyer makeover" that I don't have to take it apart again. Actually I am having a mechanic friend of mine who owns his own shop do the work for me. It still costs me money but I can stand under the lift and "bitch at him" (we have been friends for years).

When it is all said and done I will post some flicks of the "Smurf car".

cortezit

[nitrofarm]

This is a pretty slick solution to this problem. I have another "F" series transmission from another 1989 Mercury Tracer which I am going to have a tranny guru go through. It came out of a car whose owner was a fan of synthetic lubricants so it is in pretty good shape as it sits.

I want to make certain that after I complete the "Matt Dickmeyer makeover" that I don't have to take it apart again. Actually I am having a mechanic friend of mine who owns his own shop do the work for me. It still costs me money but I can stand under the lift and "bitch at him" (we have been friends for years).

When it is all said and done I will post some flicks of the "Smurf car".

cortezit

Thanks hope it helps someone, sometime. I found its best to put the tranny in neutral then "center" the shifter inside the car from the drivers seat.Then tighten the jam nut with a German Torque wrench. aka GOODIENTITE

[Powerstiva]

Thread resurrection but is this a viable way to modify the stock linkage for use with a g-series?

[nitrofarm]

The pics are gone?

[Powerstiva]

Nitro, I can still see them but since you said that you've done this would you say that this can be done for modifying stock linkage to be used with the g-series? Also do you remember what size threaded rod and nut did you use?

[nitrofarm]

Powerstiva,this would work on any linkage that you need to have adjustabilty. And I used Metric threaded rod but I cant remember the size.. Maybe 17mm? The only thing with using threaded as opposed to a turnbuckle. You have to take the bolt out of the tranny fork,then turn one end of the rod. Then reinstall the bolt & check for fitment. A turnbuckle would have reversed threads on one end and make it a little easier.

[Powerstiva]

Would a turnbuckle be suitable for this application? I've never used one before also I'm not sure where to find one.

[Powerstiva]

Also do you know how much I need to take out of each rod for a g-series?

[nitrofarm]

Would a turnbuckle be suitable for this application? I've never used one before also I'm not sure where to find one.

You dont need it just use threaded rod

Also do you know how much I need to take out of each rod for a g-series?

You'll have to measure it when the tranny is installed