Adjusted shift coupler and bumping R when downshifting
 

I know I need further adjustment but I'm not sure which way to turn the coupler to get it to stop bumping R when downshifting out of 5th. I had an incident where the strap that tightens the shift rod to the spline shaft of the coupler got loose and slipped off. Now I can't seem to find the sweet spot. I adjusted according to the PP write up but can't get it to stop bumping R on downshift. Which way do I turn to correct and should I be turning the coupler or should I be moving the shift lever?

For the record, all bushings are new so that gets ruled out as part of the problem.

The problem is caused by the vertical/center position of the shift stick when in neutral!
If shifting to all the gears is OK, don't rotate the coupler! Rotating the coupler will not affect it, and will likely mess up gear selection. Just adjust the fore and aft of the coupler on the shift rod till it shifts without nicking reverse.

+1 for fore and aft. That worked for me.

uwanna and heimtun are correct. You are dealing with fore & aft, not side to side. This is generally (always?) because the lever isn't moving far enough forward as you move into fifth, and so the reverse lockout cam is not tripping.

I had this problem with a factory short shift kit. The "sweet spot" where I could shift into 2nd, 4th and reverse but still trip the cam was impossibly small.

To change this, you will need to move the coupler rearward on the shaft, but probably only a minuscule amount.

I had the same problem; solved the problem by lengthening the distance between the shift lever and coupler.

My 83 had the reverse bump after a Fairbanks rebuild. I took the trans back, he inspected his work, just off hand asked if I had a short shift in the car. I did, that was the problem.
Bruce

I've got the factory short shifter in my car and never had a problem other than when my tunnel bushing went to crap on me. I had the thing adjusted almost perfectly until it slipped on the spline shaft of the coupler the other day. Now I'm lamenting not tightening the strap down a little tighter. Oh well, I'll get it where I like it. I also just ordered the Seine gate shift kit for it and plan to install it this weekend if it arrives.

Arne,
I'll have to look at my shifter when it's in 5 and make sure the lock tab is engaged when I'm in 5th gear. Thanks for the tip.

Shifter.
 

Sorry to step in, but I also have a shift rod/coupler issue.

Coupler, and shifter bushings are new.

I have all the gears, but the shifter is close to my knee when
in second gear.

When I rotate the shift rod towards the driver's side it gets better.

But then, I have the fifth gear hard to engage issue.

Also, with the factory short shift.

Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance,

Gerry

Yeah, move your knee :D

Seriously though, I'm about 6'1 and had a bit of the same problem so I put a 3" extension on so my shifter isn't as short as I make it out to be.

One option is to apply intense and concentrated heat to shift lever to change angle and/or shape. Move knee and combustibles out of heat range.

In some cases, this 3" lever extension may help:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1435108756.jpg

Sherwood

As it turns out, I was smarter than I gave myself credit for. While doing some adjustment work today I had a flashlight pointed at my coupler and noticed a line scratched where my shift rod and coupler matched. I had forgotten that the last time I adjusted the coupler, I took an awl and scratched the spline shaft to show where it lines up. For what it's worth, I adjusted the fore and aft several times and it ended up being I needed to slightly rotate the coupler. Now, no bumping R when downshifting.

Thanks for all the help and suggestions. They are always appreciated.