Shifting a c series

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Aug 31, 2018 | 09:26 PM

Hillbillysuv

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Jul 2018

Posts: 160

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From: Kentucky

Shifting a c series

Mine has a 38k mile Spicer 5 speed. I know there is a lot of linkages between the shifter in the cab and the transmission and so far what little I've had the chance to check out, it all seems to be in good shape. Even so the shifter is stiff. Reverse actually touches the dash while finding 4th gear almost required me to scoot to the right.

I know these things have a reputation for being challenging to shift, but this is the first truck I've been in that made me wish I had longer arms. I'm not above adjusting the linkage or torching the shifter and bending it my way a bit if this is normal. Before I do anything rash I thought I'd post here first and see if this is normal.

If the rain will hold off for a few minutes tomorrow I'm planning to tackle some basic maintenance and dig deeper into the shifter. Any suggestions or resources would be greatly welcome.

Sep 1, 2018 | 12:35 AM

85e150

Super Moderator

Joined: Apr 2004

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If it finds and goes into each gear, regardless of shifter position or travel, I would leave it alone. Bend the shifter, but don't fool with that shaft, u-joints etc. JMO

Sep 1, 2018 | 06:55 AM

Hillbillysuv

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Jul 2018

Posts: 160

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From: Kentucky

That bad is it? There shouldn't be any harm in lubricating everything though. That's on the agenda for today while I wait for my carb kit to show up.

Sep 2, 2018 | 12:41 AM

Louisville Joe

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jul 2004

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Sounds like the linkage is worn. Lever hitting the dash in reverse was common. Lubing the linkage is always a good idea (check the manual, there are a number of zerk fittings). Should loosen it up, but won't do anything for the long throw. If it goes into all the gears, I wouldn't mess with it.

I liked these trucks a lot better if they had Allison transmissions!

Sep 2, 2018 | 09:16 PM

Hillbillysuv

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Jul 2018

Posts: 160

Likes: 4

From: Kentucky

Well, lube certainly helped things along, as well as tightening a nut about to fall off. It's still pretty vague feeling but I can live with it.

Also got the new floats for the carb and put that back together... twice but it's running pretty well.

Sep 5, 2018 | 05:24 PM

Destroked 450

Cargo Master

Joined: Dec 2015

Posts: 2,549

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From: Harned, Ky

Mine has a Spicer 5 spd also, 18k miles, if you need any linkage or anything let me know, we're not that far away from each other.

Sep 8, 2018 | 04:30 PM

Hillbillysuv

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Jul 2018

Posts: 160

Likes: 4

From: Kentucky

I just might take you up on that. I've not had a chance to do much with it due to work but I hope to have some time off/better weather soon.
You wouldn't happen to have a tach cable or an instrument cluster would you?