Okay, don't take me for a fool but I removed the top and shift lever from a 1968 F-250 4 speed manual trans. so I could clean and paint the engine and engine compartment. Now I can not get it back into neutral when I reinstall the cover. Anyone know what I might be doing wrong? Is there a sure fire trick to resolve this?
Thanks,
Bob B.

 

Remove the handle from the cover, remove the cover, line up the rails so that you are certain it is in neutral, install the cover with just 2 bolts, reinstall the handle and try it. Good luck.

 

I will try that. I left the lever on because I think I read you need a special tool to remove it.
i once tried to remove one from early 50s Chev 3/4T and never got it off.

 

Thanks by the way. Viet vet? Thanks again. I served 70-73 but not there.

 

My first 3 years were on the Iwo Jima LPH2, We made 2 deployments June to April 66-67 then October to July 67-68. I ended up on the LST January to August 69, doing spring to late summer out of Vung Tau doing riverine support . I was an Engineman 2nd classs. Those engine room watches were noisy. I get $250. a month from the VA. I had enough after 4 years.

 

Warner T-18 shift lever retainer cap (8MTH-7220) threads on/off. Once it's removed, a roll pin is visible within the threads that retains the shift lever in place.

New Process 435 shift lever retainer cap (B8T-7220-D) has two notches, is retained by two pins that protrude from the tower.

This cap must be pressed down and held down while turning it to remove it.

People unaware use pliers to remove the cap which tears out one or both of the notches. Not Pleasant!

 

If you have the gears locked up from trying to find neutral. Then you'll have too get them back into the neural slots. You may have to try turning the drive shaft to find neutral.'

Plus you may have to jack up the right rear or both rear wheels if it have posi or locker in the rear end. When drive line is free and will turn tranny is in neutral. Like Kenny said make sure the shift cover is in neutral also. Put a new gasket on or use RTV...
orich

 

The guys above have it. Do what they say and they will get you shifting fine.
The question drifts through my mind: Why did you pull the top of the transmission to paint the firewall?
Semper Fi
3rd Marine Division, I Corps

 

I removed the engine with trans attached. I cleaned and painted that whole assembly plus replaced most gaskets. I also cleaned and painted entire engine compartment, radiator, rad support, and front suspension, frame and anything else I could reach.

 

Hope you replaced the timing chain set while you had the motor out with a non oem type one. As those oem nylon teeth were not all that great for much over 100,000 miles.. orich

 

I've worked on Chev and Ford small blocks from 70s-80s wasn't aware they used plastic that early. This is something I didn't do. The truck only shows 72,000 miles and I believe that to be accurate. I bought it to resell so I don't think I'm going back to that. I will do it in place if needed. See how it runs.
I've been distracted by other things here lately and just about to get back to it.
Thanks for the input. I will keep it in mind for next time.