Steering Column Repair: 86 chevy c10 truck loose shifter, chevy c10, steering colum

Question
I adjusted the linkage as you said. I now have no problem with turning the ignition on and off in the truck. The shifter still feels a bit sloppy (about a 1/2 inch in play between gears, do I need to rebuild the steering colum to fix this or could it be worn parts in the linkage?
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Followup To

Question -
I just purchased a 1986 Chevy C10 truck in great shape. The automatic shifter on the colum is causing me some grief. To start the truck I have to push the shifter arm to the left in order to be able to turn the key. Although I can feel the detents the shifting does appear to be loose and the indicator needle does not sit in the exact indicated position. How do I fix this?

Answer -
Hello Dan,
You can adjust the shifter by loosening the bolt on the lever rod under the hood and sliding it. Adjust it in the proper direction with transmission in Park, and the column lever in the correct position to start smoothly. It will probably correct the position of the needle and indicator. Also make sure the rod isn't bent.
Hope that helps.
Have a great day!
-Jay


Answer
Hello again Dan,
That's great you were able to adjust it. Usually any wear on the shifter mechanisms are limited to the underside of the vehicle due to rust and age. Have someone hold the brake while it is being shifted from one end to the other. Check all linkage pivot points. You should be able to see where the play is coming from. Usually any wear on the shifter in the interior of the vehicle is at the notches that hold it in Park and or reverse lockout (due to poor shifting habits). I think once you look closely at the linkages you'll find your problem. A common problem is at the offset linkage on the frame on the underside of the truck. If this model has this type linkage, look for a missing spring and/or plastic grommet that centers the shaft. If you are unsure of what I am talking about, some models had a link at the column down a rod to the offset lever and then another rod and link to the tranmsmission.

Hope I was clear enough for you to understand. Unfortunately I don't have a picture available for an example.
Hope that helps.
Have a great day!
-Jay