Too much play in shifter
 

I put my original shifter back in my '72 and now I have too much play when I upshift from 1-2-drive. The shifter doesn't even line up with the "D" when I am in drive and theres a lot of play and movement. Took the shifter all apart to check if I missed something and tried to tighten up shifter cable underneath but it didn't fix anything. Help now what? I have a turbo hydromatic 400 transmission.

Make sure those little "C"clips at the ends of the cable (trans. bracket and at shifter) are fully in place and in the correct place!.. and that the shifter cable is fully and correctly attached at both ends...this has caused me problems before.. like the loose shifting problem

thank you. I will look at those things and reply back if it works! We are going to replace the shifter cable because it's the original one and PY tech support said this could be a cause

Sounds like the shift cable is stretched or mis adjusted.:)

You also have some adjustment in the shift rod (the vertical rod that activates the steering column lock collar), and a half inch or so adjustment where the cable attaches to the tranny. Are you sure the cable is the original one? Or an incorrect replacement that was installed prior to your owning the car?

Any more on this topic. I too have the very same issue with auto shifter slop or way too much play in the shifter. It moves loose about a half an inch both ways.

Has anyone found replacement parts or components for these shifters

I pulled it all apart tightened it and changed the spring that controls the push button and its way better, idk if you all tried that or not

I worked at a place that had a machine shop, I had one of the machinists make a set of the plastic guides for me. He used delrin for the replacements. My guides were worn allowing the sloppiness.
Craig

Usually all you have to do is tighten the side bolts as they vibrate
loose with time.....normally the guides don't wear out in my experience.