40 Ply Shifter Linkage adjustment

[Don St Peter]

All of a sudden I cannot get into reverse. I'm convinced it's the shifter linkage between the steering column and the transmission. The shop manual dedicates 2 short para. to adjustment and mixes terms to the point I'm confused and frustrated after a couple of days adjusting.

I'm guessing someone out there has been there and might offer some advice.

Thanks in Advance.

Don

[1941Rick]

I don't know if it is the same as my 41...but here goes.

On the linkage on the transmission there is one shift rod that is adjustable. Has a spring on it.

Move all the slack out of the lever and adjust the slack out of the rod. This is the adjustment for first/reverse....

[Rodney Bullock]

If you have a 1940 plymouth then you may have our "cable" You will have to take the floor board out and look at where the cable goes to it's connector. It might have loosened over the years. Take up the slack by loosening then pulling the cable then retighten the cable holder. I had this problem when I first rebuilt my 1940 the cable action is much smoother then the rods. If you have rods then this will not help.