I am in the process of removing the shifter for a fluid change and overfill (for the first time on my first 1st Gen). I am ready to remove the snap ring. Do the set screws on each side need loosened too? If so, what is the tool of choice to get them loose? The opening isn't wide enough for me to gef any kind of screwdriver or ratchet down there. Thanks for any help!

 

Nope, just the ring.

 

Good deal! That will make life much easier!
I have hanged the oil and filter. I'll get the Getrag fluid and fuel filter changed tomorrow. I ordered a Bourgeson shaft from Jegs for 169.00 and it should be here tomorrow. I'm ready to get all of this basic stuff done so I can start on some of the fun stuff!
Thanks for the reply 1972RedNeck!

 

5w30 synth for the Getrag 6 qt's

 

I dont know why everyone likes taking the shifter out to overfill the transmission? The plugs in the trans are pipe threads, I put a 90* elbow in the fill hole on the side with a coupler and a plug. Inside the plug I bj welded a short length of thick wire with a notch in it for the full level. Then to fill the trans you can run a length of tube down from a funnel under the hood and fill it while standing up.

Some year when I finish my 5 speed I'll look into just connecting a regular trans dip stick with a couple adapters and be able to check the level from the engine bay too.

 

I may try that next time taterfarm. Thanks for the idea.

 

Word on the street is that if someone would attempt shifter removal, the truck has to be in neutral for the shifter to slide out. And if some one didn't know that, and doesn't quite get the snap ring seated when they put it back together, and maybe moves the tuck to a different location in the driveway, when they shift to neutral, that sucker pops right out! So I've heard...
All ended well. Fluid changed and overfilled. I would add that putting the shifter back in and getting the snap ring back in is, in my opinion, a two person job.

 

I did it by myself once. Then I cut a coil or two off the spring.

 

Havent ever heard that, actually, if I recall correctly from doing mine, if the ring isnt seated all the way, the shifter tab that moves the shift-forks wont engage fully and shifting is HARD.. lets you know right away somethingisnt right..
the trick is to get the snap ring in place in the opening, then kinda lay on the shifter to depress it while you set teh snap ring, puching the shifter down with your gut or chest.. least thats what worked for me..

if yo search the older posts, there are some threads that talk about how to add a fill tube and also a sight glass using the PTO take off cover and bolt holes..

 

Good info Chrisryen. It shifted normal when I moved it. I backed it up and pulled it forward seveal times. I just thought I would share my somewhat humorous first attempt at a Getrag overfill.

1972RedNeck - a shorter spring would definitely make it easier for one person to get it done. I could possibly do it myself next time, since I know how things fit now. However, another set of hands sure makes it a lot easier!