Transmission shift question

[investig8]

Hello All,
I replaced the top on my transmission due to the shift ball and pin being worn out on the old one. I put the top on two different times because I couldn't get it to shift the first time. I am certain I got the shifting forks correct, including the reverse. I don't have the shifter on the stub, but did have a piece of pipe about one foot long on it to try it. Could it be that because it is not being run and sitting in my driveway; that I can't provide enough force on the clutch; that my make-shift shifter won't allow enough pressure to shift; or all the above that would prevent me being able to shift it or is there something I missed in the installation?
As always, I appreciate the knowledge and help from this group!
Dennis

[investig8]

Forgot to mention that I could move my make-shift shifter side-to-side in the neutral position, but not forward or backward into any gear.
Thanks,

[Cal_Gary]

The ball stud has to fix exactly right within the shifter fork notches. They should align to form a "square" that the stud end fits into. Mis-aligning it will stop smooth movement front/back and sometimes left/right.
Gary

[investig8]

Thanks Gary, I believe I found the problem. When I received the used top, I assumed it would be in the neutral position as my old one was when removed. After the inability to shift, I removed and found the reverse shift rail was not in the neutral position. After correcting that and reinstalling, it seems to shift fine. Thanks for your help.

[Cal_Gary]

Excellent! Happy to help!
Gary

[investig8]

Mornin' Gents,
OK, When I bought the truck, the shifter had alot of side-to-side movement in it and after some input from you guys, I purchased a "good used" transmission top. I now have it all back together with the shifter attached and find it doing the same thing. When I move the shifter from second to third gear, the entire shift shaft tends to rotate counter-clockwise, if that makes any sense. Is that normal or did I get a not-so-good used transmission top?
Thanks for your help,
Dennis

[vit16]

how much is too much?
mine does it just a few degrees. you might have some play in there

[just me]

A new one barely rotates. A whopped one can swing 60 degrees. With practice and care you can shift either one.

[vit16]

hehhehe

[vit16]

chequed mine, and turns almost nothing, like no play at all.

[investig8]

Thanks gentlemen, Seems as though I bought a "not so good - used" top.... I have about a 45 degree swing in the shifter! Aaarrgghhh!!! Will deal with that later...
Have a great upcoming holiday and stay safe!!
Dennis

[vit16]

be sure the bolt is tightened. Mine was lose

[NAM VET]

something I am sure you have checked, but with the shifter off, is the "play" in the top of the trans, or in the attachment of the shifter to the top?

NV

[investig8]

They play I have in the shifter is actually in the small part coming out of the transmission. The shifter is bolted tightly to the post coming out of the transmission.