Shifter Selection // Where to start

[Saltcityslant]

Hey guys,

Here are some pictures of the engine and transmission before I installed it into the truck, and then a nice pic of roughly where the shifter is going to live. See the bar that goes right in the middle of the seat bracket? The Hurst will have to mount just ever so slightly in front of that, under the floor. There are some reasonably good photos of the transmission installed before I built the floor pan provided, to give you all an idea of what I am working with. I have none of the linkages and no shifter/kit. Where can I look? I am going to need one of those swan style neck shifters to get it to clear the bench seat, as you can see from the photos. I need to know what is the cleanest way to make this work, as the shifter is going to live where the engine and transmission are, my front to back room is pretty limited. Because of the radiator and limited cab space, I can't relocate the powertrain. Not only that, but its going to require some fab, but we got that handled. Been working on the clutch and brake system, but I am aiming to get this engine broke in the next 6-8 weeks, and I'd like to have a shifter by then, just to keep the project moving as fast as possible. Any tips? Dan Brewer, you got a bolt on solution for me? Just kidding... Unless...

Also, the seat bracket that you see here in the photo is factory from 1936. I have a bench seat that I pulled out of another truck, which I plan to use. Getting that seat to mount to this floor pan bracket will require completely custom work. If you guys think it's in the build's best interest to whack that factory seat bracket out completely to make room from the shifter, that will be the plan. I am just completely unfamiliar with A-833od shifters, so I'm not sure how much room I'll really need.

Can you tell from the images where it would live? I can mark them up to make it easier.

Thanks so much, what would I do without this forum.

- S.

 

[AJ/FormS]

Usually, The shifter mounts onto an adapter plate, then comes straight up thru the floor. The top mounting bolt needs to be just below or just above the floor, so that the rubber boot doesn't tear with use.
If where it comes up, you don't like it, well then you just make your own custom adapter plate and put it wherever you want it.
The shifter does not need to installed vertical. But if you angle it forward, make sure you can still reach third, and without putting yur knuckles into the dash. and on a custom adapter, you get some leeway as to inboard/outboard mounting.
IMHO, you shouldda done that before you put the floor in, cuz now, you gotta work with what you got, or start over.
>As for the rods
I made my own, from cold-rolled seamless tubing. I cut the ends off some spare rods I had and welded them up, with threaded adjusters. No big deal.
>I mounted my shifter up high, and my rods run a little downhill to the trans, cuz my shifter is only about 10 inches tall. The longer your shift handle is, the further it's gunna travel to engage a gear. Make sure Third gear is still reachable.


PS,
1) Ima thinking that TO fork is either not installed correctly, or, it's for a honking big truck clutch. I wonder if you can make it work.
2) If yur trans is an overdrive, don't forget the 3/4 shift lever gets mounted upside down, the other levers point up.
3) If you need a Speedo-O for a non-Mopar head-unit, I think Brewers has adapters.
4) Do yourself a favor and do not try to run a synthetic oil. Thatchit is way too slippery.
5) If yur not married, make sure the doggone stick is not in the way of your girlfriend snuggling up.

 

[Kendog 170]

To bad my stuff is packed away for some time. I have a truck shifter with the long bench handle I would give you. Then you could modify it if necessary.

 

[Oldmanmopar]

A simple tail shaft and main shaft replacement from A-body to B/E-body will put the shifter many inches forward. Just a thought you may want to consider. recommended by Oldmanmopar's son. His dad is not here.

 

[YY1]

Both of my truck 833 OD units already have/came with the B/E body tailshaft.

The truck mount is basically on top and straight up a few inches from the forward shifter mount location.
It is a simple flat piece of steel, drilled for the mount and the shifter.
Rods will be the issue, but truck rods and mount should be relatively easy to find as they are often discarded in favor of car mounts.

 

[Dan Brewer]

Here are all the tailhousings for reference. Assuming you don't want to change the tail / main shaft....you might end making a custom bracket to move the shifter forward.

 

[Saltcityslant]

Usually, The shifter mounts onto an adapter plate, then comes straight up thru the floor. The top mounting bolt needs to be just below or just above the floor, so that the rubber boot doesn't tear with use.
If where it comes up, you don't like it, well then you just make your own custom adapter plate and put it wherever you want it.
The shifter does not need to installed vertical. But if you angle it forward, make sure you can still reach third, and without putting yur knuckles into the dash. and on a custom adapter, you get some leeway as to inboard/outboard mounting.
IMHO, you shouldda done that before you put the floor in, cuz now, you gotta work with what you got, or start over.
>As for the rods
I made my own, from cold-rolled seamless tubing. I cut the ends off some spare rods I had and welded them up, with threaded adjusters. No big deal.
>I mounted my shifter up high, and my rods run a little downhill to the trans, cuz my shifter is only about 10 inches tall. The longer your shift handle is, the further it's gunna travel to engage a gear. Make sure Third gear is still reachable.


PS,
1) Ima thinking that TO fork is either not installed correctly, or, it's for a honking big truck clutch. I wonder if you can make it work.
2) If yur trans is an overdrive, don't forget the 3/4 shift lever gets mounted upside down, the other levers point up.
3) If you need a Speedo-O for a non-Mopar head-unit, I think Brewers has adapters.
4) Do yourself a favor and do not try to run a synthetic oil. Thatchit is way too slippery.
5) If yur not married, make sure the doggone stick is not in the way of your girlfriend snuggling up.

Sounds good. Hindsight is 20/20, certainly will get that installed first on the next one! Be that as it may, If I am understanding correctly I need to get the shifter assembly from somewhere, but It can be moved by making a bracket... So, Assembly bolts to bracket, bracket bolts to tail housing. As others have stated in this forum, a different tail shaft can be ordered, but I'm not scared of a little fab to try first. I was really concerned about the rods that travel from the shifter to the transmission, but it sounds like that won't be as bothersome I as originally thought. The levers that hook from the transmission to the rods, those need to be purchased, I figure I can't fab those.

Do I have all this right so far?

In regard to the clutch fork, yes it absolutely is a truck clutch, but it worked out in my favor. I used the frame to mount where the pushrod assembly lives, it lines up really nice. Ended up using a ball and cap that I welded onto the pushrod. Buttery smooth with a touch of grease, shoutout to hot rod forums website.

No synthetic oil, got that! I'll check with the guy who built the transmission as well, just to be thorough.

I have looked at brewers adapters for speedometer, but that is a whole other can of worms I'm saving for after this other stuff.

So, plan so far is: 1. Post on wanted for a shifter and levers; 2. Once that arrives, build a bracket to get it to live in the right spot, and fab up some rods; 3. Install 3/4 lever upside down because it is an OD trans; 4. Keep in mind the length of the shifter, so I don't hit either the seat or the dash.

So far, so good. Brewer's has excellent new parts, but I have to factor everything into the budget appropriately. I'll see what I can make work. Still gotta order wheels, tires, and carb. Ouch.

 

[Saltcityslant]

Here are all the tailhousings for reference. Assuming you don't want to change the tail / main shaft....you might end making a custom bracket to move the shifter forward.

View attachment 1716475495

Thank you very much for the pic, this helps.

 

[Saltcityslant]

Both of my truck 833 OD units already have/came with the B/E body tailshaft.

The truck mount is basically on top and straight up a few inches from the forward shifter mount location.
It is a simple flat piece of steel, drilled for the mount and the shifter.
Rods will be the issue, but truck rods and mount should be relatively easy to find as they are often discarded in favor of car mounts.

Sounds good. I am nearly positive it is a B/E tail shaft, I can post pictures tomorrow. Sounds good, a flat piece of steel with holes drilled through it is my speed, haha. Rods do worry me, but I have limited options. I'll make sure to share everything I do, so I don't accidentally kill the trans.

 

[Saltcityslant]

A simple tail shaft and main shaft replacement from A-body to B/E-body will put the shifter many inches forward. Just a thought you may want to consider. recommended by Oldmanmopar's son. His dad is not here.

View attachment 1716475458
View attachment 1716475460

Thanks very much. I like to see many options, in case I hit an impasse.

 

[Saltcityslant]

To bad my stuff is packed away for some time. I have a truck shifter with the long bench handle I would give you. Then you could modify it if necessary.

If some time passes before I get to this part of the build, I'll hit you up.

 

[Oldmanmopar]

Thanks very much. I like to see many options, in case I hit an impasse.

Using a b-body tail shaft and shifter with linkage the shifter would be moved almost 6 inches forward. Then get one of those big long pistol grip shifters from a 70 b-body bench seat. I am sure Dan from Brewers would have everything you need for this upgrade. No custom parts or home made linkage.

Early b-body tail shaft has the trans mount more to the rear then the later dual mount B/E -body tail shaft. But take the same shifter and linkage. So you would have your choice of where the trans mount would be.

 

[RustyRatRod]

If I was in your spot, I would sell the truck transmission and get a correct A body piece. Just so much easier with the right transmission.

 

[Oldmanmopar]

If I was in your spot, I would sell the truck transmission and get a correct A body piece. Just so much easier with the right transmission.

The picture he posted in his first post is an A-body trans.