Shift Linkage Lock-up

Posted by Packard Newbie On 2019/7/25 23:47:20

Only on occasion, but nonetheless very annoying, my '39 Six will lock up in 1st gear as I try and shift from 1st to 2nd. I've had finicky linkage on older cars before and sometimes one can develop technique to avoid it, others it can be simple adjustment, and, in some cases, just the byproduct of excessive wear. Once locked, I have to pull over, shut the engine off and push and pull on the two linkage arms until the thing frees up. I haven't quite figured out yet what I am doing when I AM finally successful, as this may speed things up a bit, but am wondering if there are any kits, known fixes or adjustments that can be performed to eliminate the locking up altogether??? I presume this is a known problem and would truly appreciate the benefit of those who have successfully conquered it with the Packard linkage. (P.S. when I replaced my engine/transmission, I was careful to 'bag and tag' all the linkage components and during reassembly, made sure they were all well lubricated; AND the issue existed before I pulled the motor out)