Which shifter? Toploader

66gtk · #1 (**permalink**) 09-24-2014, 12:17 PM

All the Ford Toploader's I've driven with stock linkages required the reverse lockout cable to engage reverse. Is it possible to configure the linkage without needing the cable? I have a car with a Toploader, but it doesn't require the cable to throw it hard to the left and down into reverse. The cars I've had with Hurst shifters were left and UP for reverse (no cable). Did they make some that were left and down (no cable)?

DanEC · #2 (**permalink**) 09-24-2014, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 66gtk

All the Ford Toploader's I've driven with stock linkages required the reverse lockout cable to engage reverse. Is it possible to configure the linkage without needing the cable? I have a car with a Toploader, but it doesn't require the cable to throw it hard to the left and down into reverse. The cars I've had with Hurst shifters were left and UP for reverse (no cable). Did they make some that were left and down (no cable)?

Troy - my ERA has a Hurst shifter and reverse is left and back. There's no lockout (no cable) - just the inoperative lever on the handle for decoration.

MaSnaka · #3 (**permalink**) 09-24-2014, 07:20 PM

With the toploader I believe you can switch reverse to be left and up or left and down. My toploader is left and up with no cable. It's a change with the linkage. I like it that way so reverse is out of the way from a mis-shift.

John

mdross1 · #4 (**permalink**) 09-25-2014, 06:07 AM

The toploader I used and still have in shop is equipped with Hurst Competition Plus Shifter with mustang lever. No better way to go and no cable for that matter all the toploaders I have seen have no cable.

Rick Parker · #5 (**permalink**) 09-25-2014, 08:52 PM

I think you can change the location of reverse (forward or back) by altering the attaching point of the reverse linkage rod to either above or below centerline of the connector on the shift fork. It will require different connector link since they are "keyed", or as I did on my T10 cut the existing connector link and reweld it, it will also require reworking 1 or more of the shift rods or aquiring one from another application that had reverse in the desired location. In the photo below the rear lever is pulled rearward for Reverse with the Shift lever moved forward.

You can also with great success make your own shift rods by using high quality male rod ends and either mild steel or stainless tubing.
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66gtk · #6 (**permalink**) 09-25-2014, 08:53 PM

Good info. Thanks for the assistance. I had no idea and thought all the Hurst linkages were up and to the left.

DanEC · #7 (**permalink**) 09-26-2014, 05:09 AM

The shifter doesn't really know what is where (except the neutral gate). I once wasn't paying attention when I reinstalled my shift arms on the transmission once and ended up with 4th forward and 3rd to the rear. That made for some puzzlement when I first drove it - but it shifted just fine. Just need to coordinate the ball to reflect the correct shift pattern.