Today I took the shifter linkage off of the transmission to install new seals. I noticed the pins that the linkage fits on are loose and sloppy. Definitely need to correct this before installing the transmission onto the engine and setting it back in the frame.
My question is this: Are these pins supposed to rotate in the shifter arm?
If not I guess I could remove the pins and install a new pin and braze it in place. It does however appear to me that these pins when new were made to rotate in the arm. My buddy Frank says I am crazy and that they should be tight and the shifter arm bushing just rides on the pins.
I just want to be sure that I repair the problem correctly.

 

They were peened in place, and a tight press fit when new. Mine are brazed and it makes a world of difference. I also replaced the worn out linkage ends with new spherical joint rod ends, eliminated a lot more slop.

I did a write-up on rebuilding the whole column shifter system, here:
http://www.flatheadv8.org/columnshift.pdf

 

Ross, that is what I needed to know. I will go with the spherical links also that's a good idea. I just keep finding little things like this that need to be taken care of but it's got to be done. Been a long time since I drove a three on the tree. Best I remember there is a lot of lost motion anyway without leaving worn out pieces in place. I will go ahead and redo the column also while we have it out. I am sure it will need attention also. Thanks for the help and the detail that you have provided.