Reply to "Shift Linakage setup procedure"

Another thing that works (at least in the U.S) is to replace all the gr-5 metric u-joint squeeze-bolts with gr-8 aircraft bolts (or ARP) in approximately the same OD. Used with elastomeric lock-nuts, you can tighten them significantly tighter than the stockers- which will elongate and break if tightened too much.

I was able to get enough adjustment in shift rod length by sliding the rearmost u-joint back & forth on it's splined shaft, to allow the entire powertrain to move backwards by 3/4". I've never been able to break free the length-adjusting coupling nuts with the ZF in place!

I had one '73 in that could NOT be adjusted to get all the gears. Turned out there was sufficient wear in the gear selection assembly under the console to allow some sloppiness. I found it by leaving off the shift gate- then the ZF shifed normally. So I used a grinder to put a bevel on the bottom side of the shift gate slots to match the angle of the shift stick. That allowed normal shifting and a stock look- to the casual eye anyway. The eventual fix would be to replace the bushings inside the stick assembly, but my simple fix is still working after 10 yrs.