my tranny wont shift into gear correctly when car is off (rebuild hasnt been started up yet). It feels like 1st and 2nd are in the 3rd and 4th place, and 3rd and 4th are in the 5th and reverse place. So I pulled the tranny off and checked out the change holder. The shift piece is kinda wobbly and isnt getting to the gear shafts correctly. My question is, is the shift piece shaft (rod) supposed to have some play, or is it suppost to fit snug.

#3

 

Bump

 

if you are talking about #1 then no, i have to put a screw driver threw the roll pin hole and use some decent force to "bench shift" it.

 

No, #3 in the exploted view. Heres some pics of my actual unit.




I'm pretty sure its suppost to have a tiny bit of play, but for the most part feel tight.

 

Have you tried to shift the gear with the tranny out of the car. Sounds like you shift linkage is jacked up.. If i feel likes the gears are moved? seems odd to me.

Your gear set looks good. The "play" you talk about is normal..

Whats the history of the tranny?.. What did you even open it for?

 

Fixed the problem. Updating this for those with the same problem.

I took the tranny out of the car and tried shifting gears, wouldnt go in. I opened her up and noticed the change holder selector arm was hitting the shift forks. The play I described earlier IS normal. I pulled the unit out and compared it to another one, and found the base was bent. I installed the new one, and she shifts smoothly. I'm glad this headache is over.