Hello all,

I pulled the trans out of this thing a couple of months ago and I've run into the same problem I always do. Setting up the column shifter properly. Right now, Reverse is good, 1 goes into gear but I have to be gentle and let the clutch up slowly to see if it is in gear or if it hops out - once it's in it's fine. 2 and 3 are good. Is there an 3 on the tree column linkage adjustment experts out there? (Truck's a 76 2wd).

 

I just finished rebuilding my RAT 3 speed,
If you left the linkage on the column then you shouldn't have problems re connecting them,
Did you make sure to re install the two detent springs and the three detent ***** in the correct order?
It appears you didn't have an issue with the needle bearings for the input shaft,
When you ordered your rebuild kit did they send you the correct one?
oh and, did you line up the shift fork sliders and did you seat the allen head set screw all the way down thru the shift forks and did a pre lube when assembling?

 

I would think the synchronizer for 1st is worn , but I am no expert , could be an adjustment

 

Didn't rebuild the trans - just took it out to replace a gasket and do the rear main on the engine

 

Okay judging from the pictures you posted, I see
1) your cover isn't bolted down, needs to be for tension on detent spring and ball,
2) the bolts for the linkage from column to transmission are still on transmission. you should be able to line then up with the wear on linkage bars
3) Which gasket did you replace? input shaft housing? extension housing ( output shaft housing )? or just the top cover?
Another question I have is "Is there any play ( movement when you spin the input shaft )
Why I ask Is if there is then the possibility of the bearings going bad causing the input/output shafts to bind

If you have already installed it back into your truck, make sure it is in neutral, before connecting shift rods.
I'm not that far with mine and have noticed on bench testing it, that second/ third is stiffer then reverse/first on the bench.

 

I swapped three-speeds a couple of years ago.

(As far as I know...) Your first adjustment should be the reverse/first selector. Loosen it up and adjust it so it will go fully into both of those gears.
You want/need the second/third selector completely in neutral (centered) for this. My linkage is slotted at the transmission end, allowing for adjustment.
A good reference is to get in the cab and put the shift selector in first, and get out and look at the selector tab on the trans. Then get in there and shift it into reverse, and crawl back under there and see where the first/reverse selector tab is. Adjust the linkage rod so that it pushes that tab just a little bit further in the direction of first gear - it doesn't sound like it's that far out. Then start the engine and verify that it goes all the way into first and reverse without popping out of either gear. At this point, try driving the truck and see if it shifts easily from first to second. If it does, then you're done, but if not, you'll need to adjust the second/third rod to compensate for the adjustment to the first/reverse rod.


For the second/third selector tab, things get a little trickier, as you not only need both of those gears to fully engage, but you also need for the shift selector on the column to pass through neutral in a manner which allows it to go easily from first to second - mine could stand some more adjustment in that regard, but the whole thing is pretty sloppy. Sometimes I have a little trouble shifting to second, but it hasn't been bad enough for me to crawl back under there.

 

I will try that! Thanks for the info.