hey guys this may be a stupid question, but

when i converted my 66 to power steering, i used the column and gearbox out of a 72.. now, after reading, it seems that i have been driving in the wrong gear all this time.. no wonder it wouldn't burn some tires

anyway, i can shift into the D position ( which i assume is 2nd and 3rd only ) and i can shift into . , but it acts like it wants to pop out, and i cant even get close to the L position

i have the ole FMX transmission, my question is: is there some reason that the shift arm from the 72 won't work on the 66? the 66 arm won't work on the 72 column, as it will hit the firewall


as always any input is appreciated

Joe Pechoski

 

You need to adjust the shift linkage, that's for sure.
You may find it necessary to shorten or lengthen it.

 

you could always get a aftermarket floor shifter from b&m.

 

LoKar makes a nice stainless rod and ball joint setup that works really well in this application. Not to expensive either.

 

One of two things is wrong,

1 '72 column has wrong detent pattern at top of mast jacket. It inhibits correct positioning for shift pattern & spacing on your FMX.
The Detent is that serate that makes you have to pull up on lever to get in R or P our out of P int N D L. Hers's an example, the detent pattern on an AOD has 6 positions & non AOD 5

AOD = P-R-N-O-D-L & non AOD = P-R-N-D-L except some dual range dealies like "Cruis-O-matic" which have D1 & D2 just like AOD has O & D. So If that's your problem you can die grind a different pattern to fit the detent in your FMX. . . .
OR
2, Shifting lever must be corretc length relative to shifted lever down at the side of trans case. You must use correct length lever on column to move your manual gear selecting lever on side of FMXs case, the right distance/ position.

For discussion lets call lever on column a SHIFTING lever, & lever on trans a SHIFTED lever.

If shifting lever does not have correct length, travel of shifted lever is affected so it can not move spool valve in trans to correct alignment for gear you want/ expect to engage.

Too Short a lever = under shifting & too long a lever = overshift.

If the lever length is the problem here's the easiest way out.
I'd suggest modifying length of shifting lever [on 72 col] so it's same length as 66 lever you used to have on there.

Use a piece of flat stock, bore right diameter hole for shifting rod, or bushing {whatever} & weld it in place, at correct length, right position, on 72 lever that should solve your problem. Reinstall rod after correctly adjusting it & adjust TVR in correlation to MCR.

TVR + Throttle Valve Rod & MCR = Manual Control Rod These 2 rods + modulator, or governor or Modulator & Governor, control shifting in an A/T. Internal pressures are what make it shift.

Hope this is of some help to ya'. . . . .FBp

 

All true and the collar from the original column will fit on the 72 along with the plastic green dot indicator!