2nd gear?...no sweat!?
#1
My 72 Mach 1 has a factory toploader 4 speed & Hurst shifter. The clutch (Luk) was replaced less than 5,000 miles ago when the engine was rebuilt. I love driving my 72 and do so on a daily basis (except when it looks stormy). My question is in regard to the shifter. It's very smooth except going from 1st to 2nd. It's still shifts smoothly, but physically requires twice as much effort to get into 2nd. It's not really that bad down shifting from 3rd. Is this just the nature of the beast or should I consider adjusting or rebuilding the shifter. To be honest it doesn't bother me that much, but I want to teach my wife (& daughter) to drive a stick. I think it will be an issue to deter them, or at least my wife.

I look forward to any feedback, positive, negative, constructive or destructive!
Thanks,
Keith S.
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#2
Keith it has been a long time (1988) since I shifted a Hurst on a top loader (I know - way too long). If memory serves me well - that first - second shift was always a bit "harder" than the rest. Nature of the beast.

Still - it does sound like an adjustment/lubrication or rebuild would help your cause. It shouldn't be difficult.

Let's see what those that are more up to date have to add. Biggrin
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#3
An adjustment may be necessary...I real quick adjustment is making sure your shifter and linkage is properly aligned.

From the hurst website

Proper way to adjust my Hurst four speed shifter?

There is a 1/4 inch hole at the bottom of the Hurst mechanism that runs through all three levers. This is called the neutral alignment hole. To ensure proper adjustment, run the shifter from first into second and then back to neutral. Insert the neutral alignment pin (or a 1/4 inch drill bit) into the neutral alignment hole. If the 1-2 lever interferes with the smooth insertion of the alignment pin, remove the 1-2 linkage rod from the shifter and thread the adjuster button either in or out to eliminate the interference. Repeat this procedure with the 3-4 lever and reverse. To adjust the stop bolts, back the bolts out of the shifter frame until only a few threads remain. Push the stick firmly into third gear and hold. Screw in the stop bolt until contact is made. Release the stick and back the stop bolt out one turn and tighten the jamnut. Push the stick into fourth gear and repeat the procedure.

Hope this helps.
Reply
#4
Very good and accurate info on the shifter adjustment, also remember to make sure all your bushings are in good shape as a loose or missing bushing will not only mess up the shifting performance, but it can also cause damage the transmission, by not letting it go all the way into gear before the power is applied. Which could be a catastrophic failure. Just a little extra tid bit, be sure the center bolt of the shifter is not loose or worn, and that the shifter itself is tight where it mounts onto the trans. any little bit of looseness or movement is doubled at the shift levers, a 1/16" becomes an 1/8", an 1/8" becomes a 1/4". You get the idea. All these little problems will turn into missed shifts and eventual damage. Hairpull JTS 71 Mach1
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#5
(08-17-2014, 04:32 AM)Mustangmike Wrote: An adjustment may be necessary...I real quick adjustment is making sure your shifter and linkage is properly aligned.

From the hurst website

Proper way to adjust my Hurst four speed shifter?

There is a 1/4 inch hole at the bottom of the Hurst mechanism that runs through all three levers. This is called the neutral alignment hole. To ensure proper adjustment, run the shifter from first into second and then back to neutral. Insert the neutral alignment pin (or a 1/4 inch drill bit) into the neutral alignment hole. If the 1-2 lever interferes with the smooth insertion of the alignment pin, remove the 1-2 linkage rod from the shifter and thread the adjuster button either in or out to eliminate the interference. Repeat this procedure with the 3-4 lever and reverse. To adjust the stop bolts, back the bolts out of the shifter frame until only a few threads remain. Push the stick firmly into third gear and hold. Screw in the stop bolt until contact is made. Release the stick and back the stop bolt out one turn and tighten the jamnut. Push the stick into fourth gear and repeat the procedure.

Hope this helps.

Thanks a ton Mustang Mike! This is just the info. I was seeking. So far I've given it a good lubing, which is good for now. Sooner or later I will need to adjust the shifter due to clutch & other component wear. I'm definitely going to save the info. you so kindly provided.
Thanks again,
Keith
Reply
#6
(09-16-2014, 01:39 AM)keith1562 Wrote:
(08-17-2014, 04:32 AM)Mustangmike Wrote: An adjustment may be necessary...I real quick adjustment is making sure your shifter and linkage is properly aligned.

From the hurst website

Proper way to adjust my Hurst four speed shifter?

There is a 1/4 inch hole at the bottom of the Hurst mechanism that runs through all three levers. This is called the neutral alignment hole. To ensure proper adjustment, run the shifter from first into second and then back to neutral. Insert the neutral alignment pin (or a 1/4 inch drill bit) into the neutral alignment hole. If the 1-2 lever interferes with the smooth insertion of the alignment pin, remove the 1-2 linkage rod from the shifter and thread the adjuster button either in or out to eliminate the interference. Repeat this procedure with the 3-4 lever and reverse. To adjust the stop bolts, back the bolts out of the shifter frame until only a few threads remain. Push the stick firmly into third gear and hold. Screw in the stop bolt until contact is made. Release the stick and back the stop bolt out one turn and tighten the jamnut. Push the stick into fourth gear and repeat the procedure.

Hope this helps.

Thanks a ton Mustang Mike! This is just the info. I was seeking. So far I've given it a good lubing, which is good for now. Sooner or later I will need to adjust the shifter due to clutch & other component wear. I'm definitely going to save the info. you so kindly provided.
Thanks again,
Keith

I am happy to hear it provided you some insight. Let me know if you have any trouble with the adjustment and maybe I can help you out when the time comes.
Reply


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