Tail Shift issues, Trouble shifting into fourth Options

[sjhenry1075]

When I'm driving my car it does not like to go into fourth gear. Every other gear is fine except fourth. The only way it does go into fourth gear is if I shift as if it's going into fourth, but it goes into 2nd instead. I pull it out, then slide it back into fourth and it goes into gear. Any ideas what this could be?

[brant]

it could be bushings.
it could be adjustment of the linkage
or it could be internal in the shift fork adjustments.

I ditched my tail shifter years ago
so don' t have a ton of experience with the tail style
I did replace all of the tail shifter style bushings first with good success...

when did you last replace all of your bushings...? including the balls on the tail style linkage?

if not recent... I'd buy and replace all of them. then readjust the shifter and check the clutch. If that doesn't fix it... I'd go inside the box last.

[sjhenry1075]

it could be bushings.
it could be adjustment of the linkage
or it could be internal in the shift fork adjustments.

I ditched my tail shifter years ago
so don' t have a ton of experience with the tail style
I did replace all of the tail shifter style bushings first with good success...

when did you last replace all of your bushings...? including the balls on the tail style linkage?

if not recent... I'd buy and replace all of them. then readjust the shifter and check the clutch. If that doesn't fix it... I'd go inside the box last.

Just got bushings from Pelican and plan to replace them soon.. Hopefully it's not an internal issue.. Thank you for your input.

[brant]

it could be bushings.
it could be adjustment of the linkage
or it could be internal in the shift fork adjustments.

I ditched my tail shifter years ago
so don' t have a ton of experience with the tail style
I did replace all of the tail shifter style bushings first with good success...

when did you last replace all of your bushings...? including the balls on the tail style linkage?

if not recent... I'd buy and replace all of them. then readjust the shifter and check the clutch. If that doesn't fix it... I'd go inside the box last.

Just got bushings from Pelican and plan to replace them soon.. Hopefully it's not an internal issue.. Thank you for your input.

its rarely internal.
I've had shift forks inside loose their alignment... but only due to hard track use and high temps above a street trans.

most likely the new bushings and setting everything up right will solve it.
don't forget to replace the special pin-bolts that connect the shift rods, they have a nylon (lock style) insert that wears out after 1 or 2 uses.

[rhodyguy]

There is also a rolled pin inside the tail shift where the rod enters the trans. Covered with an acess plate.

[brant]

There is also a rolled pin inside the tail shift where the rod enters the trans. Covered with an acess plate.

We replace that pin with a hardened allen bolt.
solves the problem permanently for track use
brant

[rhodyguy]

Do you have to tap/thread the lever shaft and shift finger? Haynes P.57 for those following at home.

[brant]

Do you have to tap/thread the lever shaft and shift finger? Haynes P.57 for those following at home.

to clarify... on my side shifter.. .yes.
on the shift console, we remove the roll pin
and install a bolt with a lock nut in its place
I think the nut is tack welded too... everything is buttoned up right now or I could take a picture.

[sjhenry1075]

Do you have to tap/thread the lever shaft and shift finger? Haynes P.57 for those following at home.

to clarify... on my side shifter.. .yes.
on the shift console, we remove the roll pin
and install a bolt with a lock nut in its place
I think the nut is tack welded too... everything is buttoned up right now or I could take a picture.

Thank you for the input. I understand what you're saying about the bolt and lock nut replacing the roll pin. I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of shape the bushings are in when I tear it down.

My car won't be getting any track use, just regular street driving..