Shift Indicator Alignment

[TRDuster]

I have a 1972 Duster with an a904 Automatic transmission (3-speed on the column) behind a 318. The shift indicator is not aligned with the gear that transmission is in. Not sure how this is even possible. When in Park the indicator is to the right of P, in 1st gear the indicator is on the 2. Thoughts?

 

[niceolddart]

Probably just need to adjust the indicator cable. I think they are just press clipped to the back of the steering column collar IIRC.

 

[413]

Does a 72 A body use a cable?

How does the trans work? Does it go into park? When in manual 1 does it stay in 1 or shift to 2?

The adjustment is underneath on the lower linkage rod.

 

[niceolddart]

Does a 72 A body use a cable?

How does the trans work? Does it go into park? When in manual 1 does it stay in 1 or shift to 2?

The adjustment is underneath on the lower linkage rod.

I think he means the indicator needle inside the car that tell you what gear you're in, PRND21, if I'm not mistaken.

 

[TRDuster]

Does a 72 A body use a cable?

How does the trans work? Does it go into park? When in manual 1 does it stay in 1 or shift to 2?

The adjustment is underneath on the lower linkage rod.

I don’t see a cable. There is linkage that goes to the transmission. I don’t know enough about it to see an adjustment.

 

[TRDuster]

I don’t see a cable. There is linkage that goes to the transmission. I don’t know enough about it to see an adjustment.

Transmission works fine. All the gears are good. I’ve never tried just 1 to see if it stays in 1.

 

[niceolddart]

Sorry, my mistake. I just remembered I have a complete column from a 74 Duster in my basement & checked, it has a little pointer that is screwed to the upper part of the collar, behind the PRND21 indicator. The screw may be loose or needs to be loosened to adjust the pointer.

 

[j_anderson]

Is it the original linkage? 904 won't work right for a 727 and vise versa.

My 72 had a 904 originally. When I restored it, I bought and installed a 727. When I went to install it (using my 904 linkage) I had similar issue as you are having. Once I got the 727 linkage, it was easy to get it adjusted properly using the lower rod.

 

[TRDuster]

I think he means the indicator needle inside the car that tell you what gear you're in, PRND21, if I'm not mistaken.

Sorry, my mistake. I just remembered I have a complete column from a 74 Duster in my basement & checked, it has a little pointer that is screwed to the upper part of the collar, behind the PRND21 indicator. The screw may be loose or needs to be loosened to adjust the pointer.

It actually fits in a shallow slot so it only aligns one way. I had that part of the column apart and cleaned and repainted the pointer. It is snugged down good in that slot. The issue is somewhere else.

 

[TRDuster]

Is it the original linkage? 904 won't work right for a 727 and vise versa.

My 72 had a 904 originally. When I restored it, I bought and installed a 727. When I went to install it (using my 904 linkage) I had similar issue as you are having. Once I got the 727 linkage, it was easy to get it adjusted properly using the lower rod.

That I do not know. Will look in that direction. I just downloaded the 72 service manual so I ought to be able to tell the difference. Thanks.

 

[TRDuster]

That I do not know. Will look in that direction. I just downloaded the 72 service manual so I ought to be able to tell the difference. Thanks.

Is it the original linkage? 904 won't work right for a 727 and vise versa.

My 72 had a 904 originally. When I restored it, I bought and installed a 727. When I went to install it (using my 904 linkage) I had similar issue as you are having. Once I got the 727 linkage, it was easy to get it adjusted properly using the lower rod.

Other than the painfully obvious fact that the indicator doesn’t line up with the PRND21, is there any other sure fire way of know what linkage I have. I can post pictures for any transmission savant.

 

[TRDuster]

Is it the original linkage? 904 won't work right for a 727 and vise versa.

My 72 had a 904 originally. When I restored it, I bought and installed a 727. When I went to install it (using my 904 linkage) I had similar issue as you are having. Once I got the 727 linkage, it was easy to get it adjusted properly using the lower rod.

Know anybody that might have upgraded to a 727 that has a 904 Torque Shaft bracket they would be willing to sell?

 

[j_anderson]

Know anybody that might have upgraded to a 727 that has a 904 Torque Shaft bracket they would be willing to sell?

I don't. I ended up giving mine to my nephew to use on his car.

You could start a wanted ad here and I'm sure you'd find one in no time.

 

[TRDuster]

I don't. I ended up giving mine to my nephew to use on his car.

You could start a wanted ad here and I'm sure you'd find one in no time.

I think I did. Just hope it’s in the right place.