Steering column shifting issues

[4x4blaze]

Hey guys, wondering if i could get some help. I know out of all the trucks in these forums, that someone has ran into this same issue.. Truck is a 75 K5 with its original steering column.. Transmission is a 700r4 with all of the 80s shift linkage swapped over.. Depending on how I adjust it, I cannot get a full range of motion throughout the gears.. I either get park and can't get first, or get first, but can't get it to engage in park... DRIVING ME INSANE. And, I can't really find any good information on the internet, forums, anywhere. According to everything I've read, the columns stayed the same throughout the years. Is this true? Has anyone encountered this in there build? I appreciate any input!

 

[Wes Harden]

Yes the steering column is limiting the low gear selection. Not amount of "linkage" adjustment will solve your issue. I haven't changed or modified my column so I can tell what you need to do. I have a 77 with a 700r4 and just just manual 2nd 3rd and 4th.

 

[4x4blaze]

Yes the steering column is limiting the low gear selection. Not amount of "linkage" adjustment will solve your issue. I haven't changed or modified my column so I can tell what you need to do. I have a 77 with a 700r4 and just just manual 2nd 3rd and 4th.

I really don't think it is with how crazy close it is to having all gears.. And the linkage is different, and it does make a difference. With the 80s, it's really close.. the 70s, it's far off.. I think the bend I had to add on the shift rod to go around my headers is the biggest culprit. So, therfore I just ordered a lokar shift rod with an adjustable shift lever and rod.. Pretty confident I'll be able to get all gears

The left is the 70s, the right is 80s

 

[Wes Harden]

I didn't change any of my shift linkage, so I couldn't say. I still believe the slot in the column wall where the arm links to rod isn't long enough.

 

[4x4blaze]

We shall see, I'll be sure to update the forum after I get it installed.. You have to remember though, if the shift lever itself is longer, it will increase the range of motion, therefore possibly giving me ever gear... Like I said, it's extremely close now.. I have the pan off so I can watch the detent..

 

[6872xtc]

We shall see, I'll be sure to update the forum after I get it installed.. You have to remember though, if the shift lever itself is longer, it will increase the range of motion, therefore possibly giving me ever gear... Like I said, it's extremely close now.. I have the pan off so I can watch the detent..

So you are thinking that you need a longer lever at the transmission? Sorry if I am misunderstanding.
You need a shorter lever at the transmission. I had to make mine shorter in my '72 C10 when I swapped in a 700R4. It's kind of a fine line to get all of the gears and not completely mess up the reverse light/neutral safety timing too.
My '90 has aftermarket linkage, can't remember the brand right now, because of going around the headers. It isn't right in the neutral safety switch, but reverse lights work properly. I also get full sweep of the gears. This linkage is very adjustable, however it runs the link at a slight angle towards the transmission.
I would like to try a cable, if I could find time to fuss with something that somewhat works.

My '70 K10 works really well with a '90 column and 700R4. I believe that I used the linkage from and 80's truck, not quite positive.