4l80 swap - what linkage allows for all gears?

[Blake_496]

I swapped in an 8.1l/4l80e into my '75 GMC dually last year.

Everything is working great, but I can't shift into 2nd or first using the stock shifter.

I know there is a kit out there to allow the stock shifter to hit all gears, but I can't find it.

anyone know?

 

[Camar068]

Would this take care of it?

http://www.shiftworks.com/4lx.htm

 

[PrairieDrifter]

Ratchet shifter. lol

 

[74propu]

Did you change the steering column out from the 3 speed auto to a o/d column if not then it will not hit all the gears . I put a 4l80e in my 86 and changed out the column and it still will not go into park right so I am going with this and changing the shifter arm to a 23 in with 2 bends so it looks like a truck 4 speed shifter . ( when I ordered my shifter they was $136 went up $60 after my order)


http://www.ebay.com/itm/151569912739?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[Blake_496]

I'm trying to keep the truck looking stock and would like to retain the stock 3 speed column shifter.

I could have sworn that I saw a kit that adapts the stock column shifter for a 4l80e. I think it even had new stickers/numbers which included PRND321

 

[MikeB]

I know for sure that a column used for a TH350 will work with a 700R4. There are no detents on the column linkage for D through 1. (Or maybe that's N though 1.)

Of course you also have to change the gear indicator.

 

[74 Shortbed]

It works fine, just don't have manual low. Not sure about 4L80 though.

 

[MikeB]

Found this old thread on another forum:

http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=294538

More info here. You should give them a call:

http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=294538

 

[kcascott]

I apologize for resurrecting an old thread, but I'm having a similar issue.

I have a 1976 C20 with SBC350/4l80e. The column was originally a 3 speed automatic. I replaced the shift detent plate inside the steering column with a 4 speed automatic plate, so I have more travel on my column now. I also lengthened the shift linkage rod about 2" and moved the cross shaft back to match the 4l80e. I can get P,R,N,D and they all line up perfect on the OD indicator, and I can shift into 3 and 2 but they do not line up on the indicator. I can't get into first gear, even with the additional travel on my steering column. I'm wondering where I'm going wrong. I was assuming the 4l80e had the same rooster as a 4L60e, but maybe that was a bad assumption. Or, are the linkage rods different from a non-OD vehicle to an OD vehicle? I appreciate any help.

 

[eskimomann209]

On mine
73 c10
4l60e
I left it
Park for me is a little weird mi have to hold it in park for a while to make sure I made it in...
But I have no need for first gear.
I stick with OD and 3rd If I feel squirrely

 

[1984dually]

Put a 8.1/4l80e into my 84 dually several years ago and have the same issue. Dash cluster/indicator is from a od truck. Never been a problem since i leave it in Drive. Think is more of a geometry problem had to lengthen the shaft from column. Think if you move the hole on the cross shaft to a shorter spot the shaft will move a greater distance with the same shifter movement. Been going to try that but trucks runs good the way it is.

 

[kcascott]

I might try to make the shift arm on the column a little longer, which should have the same effect as making the cross shaft arm shorter.

 

[Frankenchevy]

You must be registered for see images attach

Lengthening the rod between the column armature and trans armature won’t increase rotational travel of the trans selector. Either lengthening the column armature or shortening the trans armature will. Think gears on a bike—a longer chain won’t change the ratio but a larger chainring or smaller cog will.

I’ve used this lokar kit, but to clear my exhaust. You can see the circled part is the trans selector armature and it’s effective length is adjustable. The quality of the kit is nice.

 

[kcascott]

I have the lokar kit as well, but wasn't able to get that to work right either.

I fabricated a little bracket tonight to make my steering column armature longer. I could then shift into all gears, but park wouldn't lock into place on the steering column, which is obviously is bigger problem than not getting first gear.

 

[Frankenchevy]

I have the lokar kit as well, but wasn't able to get that to work right either.

I fabricated a little bracket tonight to make my steering column armature longer. I could then shift into all gears, but park wouldn't lock into place on the steering column, which is obviously is bigger problem than not getting first gear.

I totally misread your previous statement. I thought you said lengthening the rod.

For sure I’d rather have park than 1. I wonder if one of the cable type shifter linkages would remedy that problem? I’m planning either a 4l80e or gear vendors at some point in the future, so I’m interested in whatever solution you may come up with.