I have a 1971 XLCH and the shift leverrotates about 1/4 turn but does not engage the tranny. I've never done a transmission so this is new to me. I looked at the shift selector rod in catalogs and it looks like it has a lever on the end with a small ball on it. I would guess this moves a drum or something (pawl carrier?). It feels like this is either broke off or the part it levers is broke. I'm guessing I need to pull the trap door...right? What kind of a mess will this be? I've rebuilt a good number of motors but always stayed away from trannys.

 

It's a pain in the *** on an Ironhead...but you're 100% correct on the problem.

I've broken 2 in the past year....it sucks.

You won't need to pull the outer primary completely, just loose the clutch pack and you should be able to access it easily.

Make sure you find the rest of it....and good luck.