L-body 5 speed problem

[rare_ram]

Today I'm driving home, and I go for 5th and it goes into 3rd, then I come to a light and where 1st should be is 3rd too. I find 1st but it's where reverse should be. Then I only have 3rd and 4th ut they are where reverse should be (push down). So now I can only get into 3rd and 4h and where 1st thru 5th should be is nothing, just a loose feeling. Anybody know how to get my gears back? I looked under there and can't figure out what the shifter is supposed to do when you move side to side or if anything is loose or whatever. I don't have the FSM yet, but I have the Chiltons book and it was no help. PLEASE HELP!!!

[87glhs232]

Two things to check. The main shift tube from the shifter that goes forward towords the engine and connects to a pivot plate. Make sure the pinch/clamp bolt on the tube is tight. Second, there are two shift rods that connect from the tranny to the pivot plate that the main shift tube connects to. These rods are a common problem. They have nylon/plastic cups that snap over a steel ball on each end. Most likely one popped off. They wear out after 20 years of service. You can pick up a new pair of them for about $35 from a dealer. The dealer also sells a clip thats supposed to help hold them on.
http://www.turbo-mopar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32
In the link above you can see the rods. Those ones have been modified with hiem joints to prevent it from happening again.

[Lee'sdaytona]

Look at the shifter cables and see if they are tight. If so, then the shifting mechinism is probably a little messed up inside the tranny. Not a huge deal; Its not like you blew the entire gearbox up. But thats my guess. Someone here can chime in with more accurate info
-Lee

[87glhs232]

Look at the shifter cables and see if they are tight. If so, then the shifting mechinism is probably a little messed up inside the tranny. Not a huge deal; Its not like you blew the entire gearbox up. But thats my guess. Someone here can chime in with more accurate info
-Lee

No cables unless it's been converted

[Lee'sdaytona]

OH well that shows you how much I know about L-bodies
-Lee

[rare_ram]

Yeah, not a cable shifter, one rod from the shifter, and I already replaced the joint from the shifter. So maybe another one of these joints?

[87glhs232]

Theres one main rod from the shift...actually it's called a tube. The shift tube connects to a pivot plate. From that pivot plate there are two smaller rods that connect to the tranny. I'd bet one of those connections had popped off. The tranny side can be a bear to get to.

[rare_ram]

Yeah got under there after the car cooled off and the steering is in the way, can't see a thing. I did loosen the tube clamp to see if it would help me replace the main joint 2 weeks ago, maybe it wasn't tight enough and it shifted?

[87glhs232]

Could have. Now that it's loose you'll need to adjust it. Feel for the two smaller rods over the k-frame. If you look at the pictures in the thread I linked to earlier, you can see the pivot plate with the rods attached. You kinda have to feel around.
In a little bit I'll scan the 87 FSM on shifter adjustment. Oddly it does'nt show the smaller rods, but you'll have the FSM adjustment method :)

[86Shelby]

Here's an excellent pic of the entire rod linkage setup. pretty easy to pick out the parts you need and show them to the parts guy and order them.
http://www.geocities.com/ray_boy98/L-Body_rod_shifter.html

[87glhs232]

Here's an excellent pic of the entire rod linkage setup. pretty easy to pick out the parts you need and show them to the parts guy and order them.
http://www.geocities.com/ray_boy98/L-Body_rod_shifter.html

Good pic. Heres a scan of the FSM adjustment procedure.
lbody_shft_lnkg_1.jpg (http://www.turbo-mopar.com/forums/photopost/data/500/lbody_shft_lnkg_2.jpg)
lbody_shft_lnkg_2.jpg (http://www.turbo-mopar.com/forums/photopost/data/500/lbody_shft_lnkg_1.jpg)

[rare_ram]

Thanks for all the help. It was the main shaft.

[87glhs232]

Excellent!