I have a 1968 Crossram Z/28. I took it out today for the first time in over a year and the car developed a rather unique problem. It will run through all of the gears, no problem. Shifts into reverse fine, no grinding in first or reverse. The problem is, while downshifting, it absolutely refuses to go into second gear. Could this be an issue with the Muncie shifter?? (They're garbage, I know) Any help in narrowing this concern down would be greatly appreciated.

Mike,
Does it shift ok in both dierections with the engine off and the car sitting still ? If so, the shifter is probably ok. Try adjusting the clutch first. Upshifts are a lot easier even if the clutch is not completely disengaging.

Mike,

I for one LIKE my Muncie shifter!! I have two, year '67's too..

I just set it's H pattern up so that I lead second to third and vice-versa coming back down like this...

"Snoopy Art" a coming!!

........I... /..
........./...I.

Get my point?? AND this is a "feelie" thing too......... Take's all of five minutes to do with the tranny hooked up to the shifter on the cross member on the floor..................

It only take's like a thread or maybe a thread and a half adjustment on the link "nuts" to set a Muncie shifter up like this and if it is clean and lubed good, it will shift FINE, imho!!

pdq67

Check all the mounting bolts, also the shift arms.

Thanks for all of the input, guys. I will check/adjust and report back.

Thanks again,

Mike

Usually when the outer slider ( hub ) gets burred over it makes it tougher to downshift. Also the inner gets galled and chewed up causing binding . Like Bill suggested try shifting the trans with the engine off, and even go so far as to disconect the rods and see if the tags can be moved smoothly by hand. When you do this Have someone in the car with the clutch in and the e/brake on/wheels blocked of course. JMO. Hope it helps. Mike.