Toploader stuck in reverse

gerrymel · #1 (**permalink**) 06-19-2019, 07:04 AM

Hi all, I have just completed my Cobra build and have a newly rebuilt toploader tranny hooked up to a Lakewood bellhousing modified by Mike Forte with a hydraulic slave. I have adjusted the shifter rods correctly however when I shift into reverse the tranny locks in this position. It was working fine for my first run with the car but has since locked up. The rods are not binding in any way. Has anyone had this problem or have any idea how to rectify?

blykins · #2 (**permalink**) 06-19-2019, 07:12 AM

Take all the linkages loose from the transmission. Reset the shifter arms all to a neutral position. You can use an open end wrench to move the shifter arm shafts.

Once everything is in a good known neutral position, put the alignment pin back into the shifter and then reset the linkages to each arm.

I suspect that they are not adjusted correctly.

If that's not the case, then I would imagine there's an issue with the interlock pin that can interfere with forward/reverse shifter rail positions.

gerrymel · #3 (**permalink**) 06-19-2019, 08:13 AM

Thanks, I'll give it another try.

gerrymel · #4 (**permalink**) 06-19-2019, 03:25 PM

Have tried re-adjusting the shifter rods a number of time with no success. I believe it could be because of the positioning of the3 shifter studs that come out of the tranny casing. Can anyone tell me what position that they should be in before adjusting rods?

gerrymel · #5 (**permalink**) 06-19-2019, 03:27 PM

I don't have a interlock on this tranny.

DanEC · #6 (**permalink**) 06-19-2019, 05:10 PM

Yes, you do. It's internal and reside in the middle rail where the two detent pins are on either side of it.

If you can't get it working you may have to get someone to tear it down and see what's going on with the detents. But keep working on the shifter adjustments first.

DanEC · #7 (**permalink**) 06-19-2019, 05:19 PM

From memory the reverse lever on the transmission is rotated CCW with the down lever to the rear in neutral. When the sifter is put in reverse the shifter handle moves to the rear which throws the levers below the shifter shaft to the front, along with the lever on the transmission.

I usually leave my transmission in neutral when I park my car in the garage. I believe the lower reverse lever is in neutral in this picture. The 1-2, 3-4 lever positions should be pretty intuitive as they need to be in the middle positions.

Gaz64 · #8 (**permalink**) 06-19-2019, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gerrymel

I don't have a interlock on this tranny.

Like all manual transmissions, you will have an interlock function.

That's what the centre interlock plungers are in Dan's photo.

Only one rail can be moved into gear at any one time, once a particular rail is selected, the others cannot be moved which prevents two gears at the same time.

With it locking into reverse, you need to remove the shift rod, and prove if the shifter or the internal shift rail detent is the cause.

Gary

gerrymel · #9 (**permalink**) 06-19-2019, 08:40 PM

I figured out where the shafts were supposed to be prior to re-adjusting the rods. All seems fine now. Thank you all for your expert help.

Gaz64 · #10 (**permalink**) 06-19-2019, 09:38 PM

Good to hear a happy result.

Gary