Transmission Shift tower rail replacement

[GPierce]

I replaced the shift rails, plungers and spring to hopefully cure jumping out of 2nd gear occasionally when pulling a steep hill.

After getting everything assembled I noticed the groove that is cut lengthwise about half the length of the shaft is cut on the opposite side on the 2nd/high gear shaft compared to the shafts I removed. I assume this groove is to provide oil to the shafts where the protrude into the rear of the casting.

These shaft were supplied by a well known supplier.
My analysis of this is it will make no difference.
Some other opinions would be welcome.

Fortunately I had another shift tower for comparison and used Tom Endy’s article as a guide to disassembly assembly.

The oily tower on the left is the one with the new shafts. You see only one groove.
The dry tower on the right is an old worn tower I used as a check. Both grooves are visible.
When I noticed the missing slot on one shaft I assumed I put the shaft in rotated 180 degrees but then realized doing that would put the relief for the shift plunger on the wrong side and you probably couldn’t assemble it that way.
Comments?

[mercman from oz]

Transmission Shift tower rail replacement - GPierce

[Brentwood Bob]

Ask the supplier.

[GPierce]

Originally Posted by Brentwood Bob

Ask the supplier.

Not helpful.
Its Friday night when I discovered this and want to drive it tomorrow.

[Brentwood Bob]

Overhauled several towers and noticed the shafts are grooved. I guess you are going to try it. Worse it can do is lockup right?
I did a series of 4 YouTube videos of disassembly, and learning the best way for me to reassemble. I just looked them over to see if there were grooved shafts, and noticed that both towers were all grooved.
I used all used shafts.
IMHO, Put some kroil on the smooth shaft, work it, and enjoy your drive.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BCIpZuxoLpQ

[Ruth]

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From what I understand you are saying is that the groove isn't missing but on a different side? I don't think you have anything to worry about, unless you installed the shaft upside down. But then you would not be able to move the shifter into all positions. It will still get lubricated as the oil is splashed around.

[nkaminar]

It may be that the grooves are to provide an escape for air that would otherwise be trapped behind the shafts and restrict movement.

[Big hammer]

Air to escape? maybe, more likely oil, to keep from hydro locking, the other ends of the shafts are open to the flywheel housing

[Brentwood Bob]

Good catch Ruth. I see no problems now.

[GPierce]

Originally Posted by Ruth

From what I understand you are saying is that the groove isn't missing but on a different side? I don't think you have anything to worry about, unless you installed the shaft upside down. But then you would not be able to move the shifter into all positions. It will still get lubricated as the oil is splashed around.

The groove is on the other side. The relief, detents, for both plungers are facing each other and facing the plungers. It shifts normally in my simple holding fixture.