m37 shifter bolt wont fit later trans top

[davek]

i have a late model m37 trans im putting in my 1954 m37 and the shifter bolt is on the back and it needs to be in the front so it bolts to the trans tower rod. is my trans right or did they make two models of shifters. thanks dave

[jacksauto]

I have a 53 early trans and the shifter bolt is in the back towards the firewall and I have the long shifter a friend has the same year and he has the short shifter also in the back,I know this probably doesn't help much but that's all I know about it,good luck anyway Jack

[MSeriesRebuild]

To answer your question about different shift levers being used. The early transmissions had a short shift lever, the B1 trucks with the NP420 use a longer lever. The NP420 stub shaft is accessible for removal out side the tower, it uses a 2 pin alignment set up in the tower. Sounds like someone may have installed the stub / ball assembly backwards. Easy to remove the retainer, the shaft and reverse it. The early trans stub shafts are accessible only from inside, have only 1 alignment pin, thus it can only be installed 1 way.