‘80 column 700r4 gear range issues

[APMech]

First,
I apologize if I missed this post should it already be posted.
I’m very new the site.
Like the title says, I’ve got a ‘80 auto column with shift linkage and have recently installed a 700r4 in place of the original th350. When shifting out of park, I get 4 clicks. That puts me in the D range.
If I attempt adjustment at the shifter pivot I run out of linkage.
What are the differences if any between the older th350 linkages/columns and the later 700r4 versions?
Thanks,
Ben

 

[Greg Ducato]

There is more than one type of linkage lever at the trans, you may need to fiddle with that some to get the correct geometry to allow a complete shift pattern. Your indicator will probably never completely line up at one end or the other but you should be able to grab every gear range

 

[APMech]

Gotcha.
Thanks Greg.

 

[Blue85]

Keep in mind that there are no detents in the column. That is all inside the transmission. 4 clicks would have it in "3", so you just need 2 more, but for street driving, most people never go more than 4 clicks. Grabbing 2 or 1 is more for 4-wheeling. Adjusting the linkage may get you more. They sell aftermarket gear indicators, but if you get an OEM 700R-4 linkage set up, you could probably just swap the shift indicator in the cluster from the 3-speed to 4-speed flavor.

 

[Wes Harden]

I have a 77 with a 700r4, I have mine adjusted just right, reads the correct gear on indicator. I can't select 1st gear manually, only 2nd and 3rd. This is not a deal breaker I put it in 2nd and let the trans up and down shift as needed. Normal 1st to 2nd up shift for my is 9 -14 mph

 

[kennyw]

You should double check you have all of the shift linkage bushings and hardware. Most of the trucks I find hard to shift the auto are missing the bushing and/or spring at the frame pivot.

 

[APMech]

So,
The way it is now, the pivot point on the frame is slightly off of alignment with the shift arm in the trans. I suspect this is due to the shorter length of the th350. The spring is present.
If I put the shift lever up at the park location, and the trans in the park detent and secure the rod adjustment at that length, it’s near out of length.
If I attempt to do the same from the “1” end, with the shift lever all the way down, I come up about 3/4” short on rod length.
I may end up grafting an additional inch or so of rod and see what that gets me.

 

[500$k5]

I have a 78 K5. original column, with a 700r4. I had to shorten the bracket part of the shift rod. Shortening this part, makes the transmission positions closer together at the column. This will allow you to get all of the positions, however it will mess up the ability to start the truck in neutral. The park /neutral starting positions are mechanical inside the 80 column. It just won't let you turn the key to start. On a side note, the reverse lights are very hard to adjust to the proper position. I also added an 82 and newer prndl with the od position.

 

[Wes Harden]

Mine is right at the end of long rod as well,maybe 1/4 or less of rod showing after adjustment nut. All stock th350 k20 linkage. Used the th350 U bracket on trans selector shaft.

 

[APMech]

I was contemplating adding a simple extension to the column end arm, and lengthening the push/pull linkage hoping I could keep all functions. It’ll take some playing with it, but I’m confident I can have my cake and eat it too.