MTFCA Forum

I have a '26 Touring with Ruckstell, and the lever is on the same side as the hand brake. The rod that connects the shift lever to the rear axle is a very weak piece of mild steel tubing that is joined in the middle by a threaded core, roughy 3/8" in diameter. There is about an inch or so of bare thread visible on the core and this is causing a problem. As I travel the general vibration and movement cause the rod to sag a little. This means that shifting from normal to Ruckstell Low is fine, but when I try to shift back the rod flexes at it's weakest point, which is the threaded core, so I'm pretty much stuck in Ruckstell Low until I can straighten out the bent piece.

I'm convinced this link rod in not original and has been knocked up (somewhat poorly) in someone's workshop. Can anyone verify if this is the case? Also, is there a part I can buy to replace this? I see that Lang's have a replacement rod, but the listing says it won't work on left hand Ruckstell levers.

I can provide pictures if it helps.

I guess worst-case scenario is I thread a whole loads of nuts onto the threaded core part to take up the slack, but I'd rather find a better solution if there's one out there.

The PO of my car made a support for that rod about half way between the shifter and the rear axle. Hung it off the drive shaft housing.

You described one fix, add some locking nuts. And be sure you have installed the P206, that support helps prevent bending of the rod, and helps reduce rattles too.

Original rod were two piece, and the connector was a solid bar cylinder, fitted into each end, and riveted to each tube end, provides a solid connection and tough to bend.

Yeah, I did think about that Scott, but reluctant to drill holes in the car. I guess I could fashion some kind of clamp that bolts on.

Dan, what's a P206?

Hmmm, can't edit. Don't worry Dan, I found it - thanks. Can I use this even though the lever is on the left?

That shift support , P-206, can be positioned anywhere around the torque tube. Just a C-clamp with a rubber grommet, I like to add some silicone paste lube to the grommet for easy sliding of the metal tube.

Sounds like just what I need. Hopefully someone here in the UK can supply one, buying from the online US stores can be a little pricey on postage.

Thanks all for your help.

When I did the Ruckstell in my 1915 the shift rod and support bracket were missing. Generally now-a-days guys use metal conduit for the shift rod. But since I did not have the support bracket, I made made out of 1/2" black iron pipe. That sucker does not flex!

: ^ )

Keith

The rod I got from Chaffins is one solid rod with an adjustable clevis on one end. You can adjust it so the lever is just where you want it and so it doesn't interfere with anything else. That clamp on bracket will also help to keep your rod from flexing. Those can be bought from the suppliers too.
Norm

The late original Ruckstell shift levers are splined. These are problem Eaton. They can be adjusted anywhere you want them. I would never use the floorboard plate that Dan Posted. Ruckstell never made them. You only need a hole that's big enough for the shift lever.