I am putting an auto shift 51 merc colum in my car, and need to link it to a C4 trans. Lokar makes a cable kit to do this, but they state its only for chevy transmissions (th350, th400, 700r4). Im sure the bracket doesnt just bolt onto a C4 trans like it would the checy its made for, but if the "arm" on the transmission moves in the same direction/shift pattern on both a c4 and chevy 350, it should work really easily. Lokar does sell a linkage rod (which I dont have a traight shot from the column to the trans, cant use that, and they do sell it for a c4, as well as a th350/400/700r4, and it seems that that product moves the shifter linkage in the same direction for both ford and chevy, but I just to confirm this all before I order parts. I am not set on using the Loark product (especialy if I dont have to), so Im open to any suggestions, it just has to work.
Bu the way, here is what the setup looks like. Im going to make a different support to come off the column to replace that billet thing, but being a custom, no one has to see under the hood anyway. I guess if the shift pattern direction of the lever is reversed for a Ford C4, I could mount the column end bracket(the billet part pictured) on the opposite side of the column's shift arm, and it would work in the reverse?
If you had enough room you could try flipping the lever link at the trans to give it a reverse direction...Good Luck .....H
I have certantly concidered that, but can anyone confirm that the dirrections of the shift pattern are opposite, or the same on chevy and ford?
I believe they work in the same direction, but I'm not 100% positive. The reason I say this, is because aftermarket shifters like the Hurst Pro-Matic fit both GM and Ford transmissions. They are cable operated shifters, and just use different pan brackets and shift arms, but the same shifter and cable for both GM and Ford applications. I bought a used Pro-Matic from a buddy who had it on his Mustang and put it onto my Chevelle using the GM brackets and shift arm. Worked fine. Also, factory colum shifts are very similar between Ford and GM applications, leading me to believe that the shift linkage moves in the same direction for both.
Thanks. It all makes sence. Their solid (non cable) column shift linkage is basicly the same thing for ford and chevy, with a different trans shift arm, and I guess their floor shifters all work the same way, so why dont they state that that cable shift kit will fit Ford as well? I guess they dont want to make a new bracket to mount the cable sheath to the trans. That should be a very simple thing to make.
Just so you know..... The Lokar shift rod version can be bent to make it work. It does not have to go in a straigt line to get there. I have used them many a time with 3 or 4 bends in different directions to get them to end where I want them. Takes time but they work well and there are less expensive versions from other companies as well.
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