Save my sanity: where is the shift gate on my 85 column?

[dadbodsquarebod]

I’ve got an 85 with a 700r4 (I think) that was originally a th350. Th previous owner swapped it out (badly) and the detents are a mess. I get reverse lights in neutral, counting to D or OD is tough because the linkages are sloppy and the column lever is real loose. Obviously the indicator in the dash is close for PRN But everything after is a mess.

I bought a lokar style linkage kit and planned to install it, I’d dropped one in an 86 I had years back and it made a huge difference in the feel of gear selection. I figured I could adjust the throw on the arm that is connected to the trans to compensate for the more crowded 4 speed selections and make it work by just counting the defends as I select.

BUT there seems to be detents on the column itself. I swear I had nothing but free play on my 86 column but the 85 definitely has em. Can I just rip out the shift gate from the column and rely on the trans detents? If so where is it??

Thanks in advance

 

[EvilGenius]

This may help. Some misinformation around this topic for sure. Be sure to share your findings!

 

[C10MixMaster]

You can swap out the shift gate on the column with one from a later square body or OBS Chevy, that's what I used on mine.

 

[dadbodsquarebod]

This may help. Some misinformation around this topic for sure. Be sure to share your findings!

Oh nice that’s very helpful thank you.

And yes there seems to be a ton of conflicting information out there, I thought i was going crazy reading so much contradictory stuff.

 

[Scott91370]

This so weird.
My truck is a hybrid of sorts. 1982 frame/engine/trans 700r4 with 85 cab that had a TH350. I did absolutely nothing for the shifter and all gears/gates are correct.

 

[TotalyHucked]

When I did the LS/4L60 swap in my 305/T350C '85 originally, I bought that Lokar kit. Tried and tried and tried, eventually just threw it in the trash. Spent about an hour playing with the stock rods and got them adjusted properly, never had another issue. Sounds like you may need a whole column rebuild if it's that loose