Fixing broken Muncie shifter fork stud?
 

I was so happy to have finally landed a really nice Hurst comp + 4spd shifter that fit great, then I went and snapped off the 3-4 fork stud on the side cover!

I should’ve know it was delicate, only 5/16-18 stud, where the other two are 3/8-24… had anyone tried to pull a side cover off in their 2nd gen while still in vehicle? Seems like it may be possible, maybe drop the tail some for extra room?

I hate to have to pull exhaust, driveshaft & trans if not needed! Please advise if you have any thoughts…

Perhaps you can unbolt trans and turn it for more access

my gut says you should be able to remove the side cover with it installed.

Using a pair of pliers or crescent, put it in 2nd gear. Then remove the side cover and it just pops out the back. It's very simple to change.

Thanks guys, very helpful tips! I rotated clockwise 1st to drain trans fluid, the counter-clockwise to access cover. Shifted to 2nd and cover easily pulled free!

Off to my trans guy for replacement cover with updated bolts and seals, just $100! Feel very fortunate!

I should’ve mentioned, you can see you have to jack the tail end of the bell housing up to take the load off the transmission crossmember.

I then slid out the rubber adapter between trans and crossmember to give it enough room to pivot.