Long 360 shifter jammed tight

Bus Driver

Well-known Member
My 1977 tractor has rather low hours. Not sure how many but the total fuel used in it since new is less than 700 gallons. Today for the 4th time since 1977, the shift lever jammed solid and could not be moved. The trans was in neutral, very fortunately as we towed it to safer location some 30 feet away. It has been a long time since the previous jam. But now I want to end the problem for sure. The shift forks do not show any wear in the slots. The shift lever ball that engages the fork slots looks good. Looks like I should weld the ball with my MIG and grind for about 1/16" increased length of engagement into the fork slots. Good idea? Bad idea? Weld more than 1/16" Other cures?
 

Its worth a try, but measure it just in case you want to restore it at some point.

Never had mine hag up in neutral. The 3-4 times since the mid 80's, its been in gear. More Hassle than problem.

It is a Odd shift pattern and not quite as marked. Only pulled the cover once, Just jiggled it back the other times. Last time was 10 years ago.



Too bad there are not any others still running these tractors. I could use some help with mine.
 
To follow up, the shift lever ball end fits into slots milled into the brackets on the three shift rails. When mine jammed, the ball evidently rode up out of the slot and onto one of the brackets and jammed on top. I first measured the various dimensions of the ball and lever under the cover with a dial caliper and made a dimensioned drawing as a reference. Then I welded with gas MIG to lengthen and build up the corners of the ball. Probably added about 1/8". Started grinding to reshape with the corners of the ball a little less circular and a bit higher. Took a couple of re-installs to get the ball short enough to work smoothly. About 1/16" increase is all the system would tolerate without the ball jamming in the bottom of the slots. I know nothing more to try and trust that it will now be OK.
 

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