shifter linkage problems, '92 FLHS

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Sep 8, 2013 | 07:06 PM

billversity

Thread Starter

1st Gear

Joined: Sep 2013

Posts: 5

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From: Eau Claire, WI

shifter linkage problems, '92 FLHS

I need help. Because of a breakdown on the road, being unable to procure exact replacement parts, etc. I am not able to determine what my shifter linkage assembly's original length was. So I do not have the opportunity to match up the new part's length with the old part's length. I am having difficulty getting this adjusted properly so that I have use of all 5 gears. To say this is frustrating is an understatement. Does anyone have a process or procedure to adjust the linkage? There was nothing wrong with this until the stock ball joint broke off at the point of attachment to the shifter foot lever.

Last edited by billversity; Sep 8, 2013 at 07:09 PM. Reason: unintended links were inserted

Sep 8, 2013 | 07:22 PM

hdbob2006

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2013

Posts: 3,466

Likes: 425

From: Illinois

Put something under the toe lever,to hold it up high enough to get your boot under it easily. Measure the length for the rod,and adjust the rod to that length,or a bit shorter.

Sep 8, 2013 | 07:26 PM

rkoivisto

Road Warrior

Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 1,437

Likes: 80

From: currently an Okie

Linkage`

My stock linkage on the 11 and 13 is 12 inches. A little bit of + or - is no big deal though. It is a ratcheting setup and it shouldn't be any different shifting from first to second then fourth to fifth.

I could be missing something, but I don't think the length of the shifter linkage is that crucial.

Sep 8, 2013 | 07:51 PM

billversity

Thread Starter

1st Gear

Joined: Sep 2013

Posts: 5

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From: Eau Claire, WI

Quote:

Originally Posted by rkoivisto

It is a strange one for sure. It feels as though it is either bypassing third gear, going from 2nd directly to 4th, or is not getting to 5th gear. I'm afraid to drive it like this, so I don't know for sure which it is. I do know it is only shifting one down and three up. It was fine before the break, and it was fine when I patched it back together with an after-market link and drove home. Then, because the after-market link was longer than the original, it moved the shift lever closer to the floorboard and I wanted to get myself some more room for my toe to get under it. Somehow in that process I must've changed the geometry of the whole apparatus.

I was hoping that somebody out there had a similar experience and knew the answer.

Sep 8, 2013 | 09:04 PM

TWIN CAM 96

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2011

Posts: 2,555

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From: East of the USS Midway

2007 SG is 12" center to center

Sep 13, 2013 | 04:45 PM

billversity

Thread Starter

1st Gear

Joined: Sep 2013

Posts: 5

Likes: 0

From: Eau Claire, WI

Problem solved

I got a new Heim joint for the transmission end of the linkage assembly. With new joints at each end and the overall length set as close to 12" as it would go (the joints bottomed out at about 12-1/8"), it now shifts like new. must've been a combination of length and a sloppy joint that was causing the problem. Thanks, all, for your input.