1984 Chevrolet Truck Automatic Trans Linkage

1984 CHEVROLET TRUCK
AUTOMATIC
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LTDOLDS442
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Hello,
I have a 84 Chevy Scottsdale 4x4 with an automatic trans. My problem that I'm having is that the shift lever handle in the column doesn't shift to first gear but does go into all other gears I select. It's seems like something in the column is blocking it and won't allow it to engage. I have checked the equalizer at the trans and it does rotate into first gear. The entire linkage is not binding either. The Haynes repair manual shows you can do a shift tube adjustment which the book isn't being clear enough. Is this adjustment even practical on this style of column or is replacement the solution? Is there an exploded view of this column?

Larry
May 2, 2014 at 5:51 PM
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WRENCHTECH
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This truck is 30 years old and likely has excessive wear in multiple components in the steering column. It will have to be disassembled and examined closely to determined the root cause. Rebuilding this column is not an easy job and you may want to look into a complete used column instead.
May 3, 2014 at 2:55 AM
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LTDOLDS442
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Do you have an exploded view of the column? How do you perform a shift tube adjustment?

Larry
May 3, 2014 at 12:06 PM
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WRENCHTECH
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There is no such procedure as a shift tube adjustment.

Does your truck have tilt wheel?
May 3, 2014 at 12:10 PM
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LTDOLDS442
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In the Haynes manual there is an adjustment. Not really sure the parts they are talking about since they don't have the list of column parts. I'm a little shocked you never heard of it, since yourself being a pro! I have attached the page below for you to see the adjustment. Yes, it is a tilt steering column.
Image (Click to enlarge)
Attached Media
May 3, 2014 at 6:17 PM
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WRENCHTECH
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There are no adjustments to be made on a used column. Those are setup procedures for a new column. If you have play in the system now, it's because of worn components and that has to be determined and repaired, not adjusted. Here's your exploded view https://www.2carpros.com/images/external/41923395.gif
May 3, 2014 at 6:54 PM
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LTDOLDS442
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There is no steering wheel play nor is there any other problems anywhere else in the column that would lead to me replacing the entire thing. I'd rather do the rebuild of a component or replace a part which is much cheaper. Thanks for the diagram which will help me complete this project.

Thanks
Larry
May 3, 2014 at 7:42 PM
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WRENCHTECH
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Good luck finding parts for it.Most of that stuff was discontinued 20 years ago.
May 3, 2014 at 7:47 PM
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LTDOLDS442
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I hate when people say that! LOL That what ebay.com and junkyards are for. LOL

Thanks for your help!
May 3, 2014 at 7:52 PM
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WRENCHTECH
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E-Bay won't be selling internal "dealer only" parts and if yoiu're goingto resort to junkyards for pieces of a steering column, why don'tyou just get a whole, good used column.There are a lot of special tools and a level of difficulty to disassemble that spring loaded tilt column.
May 3, 2014 at 7:57 PM
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LTDOLDS442
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The reason I want to do it this way is because of the column is TOO MUCH MONEY! Unless you buy it for me! LOL Just kidding! Again, the column in the truck is in working condition. There is absolutely no problems with this column other than the shifter assembly. I'm only missing 1st gear. I can live with that for now.Used columns are to expensive. Rebuilding them gives people like me chances of learning more about the entirety.

Larry
May 3, 2014 at 9:20 PM