Hi smokesxt. I posted some pics of that area. Unfortunately, my search for the kickdown linkage and shift cable/linkage is not so clear as in your pics. While I know I'm in the right area, as this is the area where my former neighbor got to it and greased it, I spent an hour looking with my drop light and can't find what I'm looking for. Pic 1 is the topical view of the area, pic 2 is a deep down view of the area where I would expect the kickdown linkage to be, and pic 3 is a view of where I would expect the shift cable/linkage to be. Are these pics any help? Thanks so much...

 

Joe I thought you were dealing with a 3 speed transmission not an 4 speed. The one picture is your speed control. And the shifter looks very rusty. You have a 41TE transmission not a 31TH.

 

Hi master tech. I'm impressed that you can tell my transmission type by those pics!

So in pic #2...the rusted part that doesn't seem to be sitting right...that's the shifter? Is that the part that needs some good lubrication to help my shifter to not get stuck? If so, I greased it a bit already with my finger, but I will give it a good spray with white lithium grease if that will help even more. Also, is that how it's supposed to sit? Thanks so much...

 

It's a 4 speed like MT said, you're lack of kickdown and cluster of wiring going across the front give it away.

That piece should be down tight, not lifted and canted like it is. It's likely causing the issue as the grommet inside is supposed to spin on the post, sitting like it is, it's wedged and cannot move freely.

 

Thanks, smokesxt. Sure doesn't look right like that. No surprise at all that this would likely be the source of the issue.

So to rectify, now that I've applied some grease with my finger, simply tap it down with a hammer? Or maybe preferably use a C-clamp on it? And then spray it good with white lithium grease?

 

Use a pliers or channel-locks and be gentle. It is plastic, so it is likely brittle.

I usually use a channel-locks and carefully work it into place.

 

Much appreciated, smokesxt. I wouldn't have expected plastic, so I might have damaged it if I didn't read this first!

I'll spray it good with WD-40 and work it back into it's happy place with channel-locks. Then I'll spray white lithium grease to keep it there a while. Thank you!

 

Good luck sir.
I will note, if it's pushing off the pin like that, it's likely the grommet is shot. I've never been able to find them anywhere, which leads to buying a new shift cable to get the grommet.
For your sake, I hope it's just a fluke thing that happened, but consider yourself warned.

 

Thanks for that info as well. It's probably not a fluke thing, but maybe it will hold for a while once pressed on. But if it becomes a continuing issue, I appreciate you letting me know the only way to get the grommet. It's good to communicate with someone who knows these vehicles! Thanks.

 

You're welcome. Good luck.