I did a search before making the thread, and I already know there are dozens of shift linkage threads out there, but none of them really got me the answer I was looking for, mostly because of how many variables there are to this specific problem.
The problem I'm having I just noticed yesterday. Before I go much further, here's what I'm working with:
1980 Buick Century Wagon
Blueprint 383 SBC w/ full length headers
TCI 700R4
I'm really trying to keep the column shifter since I like it, and I want to keep my bench seat. The shift lever I got off of a TH400 (Looks like a "C" with two enlogated holes through it) since the shift lever from the original transmission wouldn't line up with the linkage. The problem I'm having is that because of the position of the linkage, and the shift lever, what happens is that I'll put it up into park down at the transmission, the linkage will be all lined up, and the second you look at it sideways, it moves down from park and into reverse. No matter how I adjust the linkage between the column and the actual arm that shifts the transmission, it continues to do this. I think what is happening is that the linkage simply can't compensate enough for the changed position of the transmission lever combined with the header tubes.
So my questions are these: Has anybody been able to make the original shift linkage work on a similar application, or would it be easier to look toward something like a Lokar shift cable set up? If the latter, is the steering column on our cars 2" or 2-1/4"?
The problem I'm having I just noticed yesterday. Before I go much further, here's what I'm working with:
1980 Buick Century Wagon
Blueprint 383 SBC w/ full length headers
TCI 700R4
I'm really trying to keep the column shifter since I like it, and I want to keep my bench seat. The shift lever I got off of a TH400 (Looks like a "C" with two enlogated holes through it) since the shift lever from the original transmission wouldn't line up with the linkage. The problem I'm having is that because of the position of the linkage, and the shift lever, what happens is that I'll put it up into park down at the transmission, the linkage will be all lined up, and the second you look at it sideways, it moves down from park and into reverse. No matter how I adjust the linkage between the column and the actual arm that shifts the transmission, it continues to do this. I think what is happening is that the linkage simply can't compensate enough for the changed position of the transmission lever combined with the header tubes.
So my questions are these: Has anybody been able to make the original shift linkage work on a similar application, or would it be easier to look toward something like a Lokar shift cable set up? If the latter, is the steering column on our cars 2" or 2-1/4"?