shifter linkage

[DanaTIngram]

Have a 4speed ford toploader in my Cobra. When I am in reverse and then go to 1st, I cannot put tranny in any gear. I tried to align the linkage to the best of my knowledge and now it wants to stay stuck in reverse. Can someone give me really minute directions on how to align the linkage? When I have done this sometimes the linkage rods will move easily into position, other times not. What am I doing wrong? Thanks.

[Rick Parker]

Dana are you using the OEM type Ford shifter control box? If so this probably needs to be taken apart and cleaned. They were originally covered by a rubber "Boot" but usually this is not carried over when it is used in a car such as a Cobra and they get a lot of road grit in them. The little unique rubber bushings that connect the lever to the control box get sloppy and will not permit the selector parts to move far enough to select various gears easily. The rubber bushings can be had from any early Mustang pars supplier. Other parts, if needed for the control box are available, but from very few sources. I just went through this recently.