Hello,
I am replacing an automatic C6 transmission in my 1972 Ford F100 and ordered a TCI 411038 transmission which is supposed to be a direct replacement. The transmission is the same for the most part but the output shaft is different and the shift linkage is different. The output shaft has already been solved by ordering a new slip on yoke instead of the bolt on type that was original to the truck and the forward driveshaft has been shortened and rebalanced. The problem I'm having now is the shift linkage. The new transmission came with a universal C4/C6 shift linkage but it's essentially just a metal plate with a bunch of holes drilled in it so you can position the shift linkage as needed. The problem is, the old linkage is offset so that it does not contact the other shift linkage. With the new plate, it is offset but by seemingly millimeters instead of an inch or two. I've tried facing the new shift linkage plate either towards the driver or passenger side but it either makes contact with the other shift linkage or the transmission itself. I was able to open up the old transmission and pull the old shift linkage by removing a nut from the inside. It only required me to remove the pan, the filter, and the valve body. I can open the new pan and try this but I'm very concerned with opening a brand new transmission. Has anyone does this swap before? Is there a simple solution to the shift linkage problem? I know there are shift linkage part that can be ordered but I can't find a website that gives any information on whether it will actually work with my transmission.

 

The only fix to get it to work as it's supposed to is to put your old manual lever in the new transmission. My experience with any part that says universal on it is that means it universally doesn't fit anything. Call TCI first and tell them what you have to do to get their junk to work so you don't mess up your warranty.