Shift linkage problems

[Shibuya]

I have a 1986 Chevy c10 350 engine with turbo 350 transmission. I have been doing a little work on the engine and decided to install some new stainless headers I bought, they are new but I bought them off the craigslist knowing I may have some issues with the install. They actually fit fantastic I think they are for a 90's chevy truck but the only problem I am having is they just slightly get in the way of my shift linkage going from the firewall to the transmission. I have been unable to find any aftermarket shift linkages that differ from stock to possible rectify this issue and was curious if anyone knows of any that I can buy before trying to modify my current shift linkage. Picture is of the wrong side but I am not going outside to get another picture of it, this is to just give an idea of what I am working with.

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[Bextreme04]

Lokar makes a customizable shift linkage. Without seeing what the issue is, it's hard to tell what a possible solution could be though.

 

[Shibuya]

yeah the lokar cable shift if it will work is the kind of idea I was looking for. I went out and took a picture you can see the black shift linkage bar in the picture the vehicle is currently in park but if I shift into drive it will rub on the header.

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[Shibuya]

Is Lokar the only company that makes something like that?

 

[bucket]

yeah the lokar cable shift if it will work is the kind of idea I was looking for. I went out and took a picture you can see the black shift linkage bar in the picture the vehicle is currently in park but if I shift into drive it will rub on the header.

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Is it just the lever/arm that contacts the header? If so, you can bend it off to the side a fair amount and it will function as normal, after adjusting the rod.

 

[Shibuya]

It is just the arm that is rubbing, I figured the whole truck would just burst into flames if I tried doing anything the cost effective route. I appreciate the input Bucket I did not realize it should have an adjusting rod, I will see how far I can bend it out of the way before spending money on a new style of shift linkage.

 

[bucket]

It is just the arm that is rubbing, I figured the whole truck would just burst into flames if I tried doing anything the cost effective route. I appreciate the input Bucket I did not realize it should have an adjusting rod, I will see how far I can bend it out of the way before spending money on a new style of shift linkage.

I bent mine probably 30° or so. I don't know if I had to adjust the rod, but I figured it wouldn't hurt. The upper end has a lock down bolt, just loosen it a bit and the rod can be adjusted. I like doing it with the trans and shifter in the Drive (or OD) position. Then just make sure it fully engages in Park.

 

[Shibuya]

cool I will give it a try thank you.

 

[peats]

it wouldn't take much to fabricate a new custom shift rod. not high tech.

 

[Raider L]

Buy a different set of headers so the tubes will clear the linkage. I have the Lokar shift linkage on my truck but I'm running a set of Hookers to. And they are way clear of the shift linkage.

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The P/N for the TH350

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I'll take a couple of pics of it tomorrow on the truck so you can see how it fitted after the trans shop put it in. They did a good job and you'll be able to see about where to put the bend in the rod.

 

[Raider L]

@Shibuya,

Here's the pics of my Lokar shift rod install.

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How it's attached to the shift arm on the column.

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You can kinda see it going down to the trans arm. The bend is not as crisp as I would have liked it, but it's how they did it. If I had a lift I'd take it off and rebend it. But it is what it is and it works so I'll probably leave it alone.

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Attachment on the shift arm on the trans.. Sorry if it's not as nice photos but it was all I could do on my back under the truck. Hope people can get the idea of what it looks like. Just look at the kit and then look at what pics I shot and you might see how it's done.

 

[Shibuya]

Yeah that is not the same unit I was looking at when I looked up Lokar shift linkage I actually really like the unit I found instead I am going to order one this week. Buying a new set of headers seems a little excessive when I can easily solve this issue. I have decided to go with the Lokar ACA 1805. I appreciate all the help and pointing me in the direction of Lokar products even if we were not looking at the same item.

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[Raider L]

@Shibuya,

Yeah, that one works good if you've got enough room where the cable attaches to the column arm. I was even looking at changing over completely to a Lokar floor shift kit. It is the cleanest I've seen. You can get their back up/neutral safety switch they make that is real compact.

But the one you've picked will allow you to keep the column neutral safety switch/back up light switch on your column. Let's see some pics of it when you get it in!

 

[deviatedsheep]

Don't buy the Lokar yet. Try the Free Option and bend your rod. If you buy the lokar linkage, you most likely will have to bend it as well. When I put my 4L80e into my K30, everyone is using aftermarket shifters, so tried putting my TH400 shifter arm on my 4l80e, bend the rod a little bit and now I have long tube headers with a factory column shift linkage. But because my trans sits further back due to my LS engine mounts, I had to move my shifter bracket 2" back but you wont have those problem.