T20 shift lever

[ES-hustler]

Is the diamond shift lever on the trans supposed to have 3 positions (forward, neutral, and reverse)? The lever on the right side of the trans has 3 distinct positions, while the shift lever on the clutch side of the trans doesn't have any positions so it can be rotated easily. As the lever is rotated the shift collar inside moves in and out as I think it should, but are there supposed to be three positions for the shift lever?

Thanks.

[George]

Sounds like the pin is broken. Is the tranny working properly? My guess is that the left side is not working or only working in one direction. Right?

[ES-hustler]

I got the trans with a hustler I purchased recently, I was told it was working properly, but I have no way to verify. The trans was in two halves when I got it and I was told the bands needed replacement but I am finding out that these might night be the only things...Thanks George.

Also, the drums had some minor rust on them and I sanded the spots with 220 sandpaper and scotch bright pads but I can still feel a very slight raised portion where the rust was. I realize this may be something hard to answer without seeing the drums, but is it ok to have any portions like this or does the drum surface need to be completely consistent all over?

[6X6]

Hi:
For the drum surface, it must be smooth, (but not polished) or it will chew the new bands. If the old band's lining was gone, the metal may have started to wear into the drums, hopefully not, but if so the drums will most likely need to be replaced, I don't know at what point they are no longer good but the tolerances are pretty tight, if the drums are not smaller in diamiter where the bands ride, you should be ok, if the rusted raised section is where the bands are NOT, then seek the advise of someone with more experience, or maybe call Recreative Industries or Richard Clarke at Route 6X6, (Can someone chime in with #s?).
On the shifter, there is a spring in an internal groove in the shift collar that gives the shifter those 3 positions. The pin may be the culprit, but if the collar inside is moving, that spring may be missing or broken. It's very easy to change if your tranny is already split, just pull the diamond shifter out and then slide the shift drum out, you'll see a groove machined on the inside diameter of the drum, should be a spring connected into a loop in that groove, if not, "WELL THERE'S YOUR PROBLEM"

[micmac]

Mike,

I actually did see those drums in person and they where pretty rough looking. I think the best thing you could do before putting it all together is get them as smooth as you possibly can and then see if Don has any time to look at them that way you can feel confident knowing bad stuff isn't going on in there

Mike

[ES-hustler]

Thanks for the input 6x6, the spring in the shift collar seems to make sense, but how do I get the diamond shifter out? The t20 is an older one as mentioned in the t20 manual to have a snap ring holding the shifter in the case. I removed the snap ring and tried pulling the shifter out by hand with no luck, so I attempted prying it with a big screwdriver, but just can't bring myself to putting a whole heck of alot of pressure since steel (screwdriver) and aluminum (case) don't mix too well...

Micmac, I cleaned the drums up suprisingly well, and I had similar thoughts as you to get a second opinion because it would definately be a waste to put in bad parts while I have the chance to get it straight. I figure with the reputation t20s have this will be the last time (I hope) it will be apart for a very long time.

Thanks alot for helping me as I am a newbie to the 6x6 world and I think I am becoming addicted way to fast..

[6X6]

ES- I actually used a claw hammer to pry it out, since it's wider and distributes the load more, and I backed it with a small block of wood to pad the tranny case, pry-bar would work too, just don't go nuts, and alternate sides to work the shifter out straight, but it will come out without too much force.

Thanks alot for helping me as I am a newbie to the 6x6 world and I think I am becoming addicted way to fast..

Yea, that seems to happen

[ES-hustler]

T20 shift lever

Thanks to Don, we figured out the spring inside the shift collar was broken and was in fact keeping the lever from finding the three positions. Figured I'd post this in case someone ever has similar issues. 6x6, I think you won the "Whats wrong with my T20?" award.

Mike