Hi Teener's. I'm converting a tail-shift transmission to side shifting. I have all the parts for the conversion . . . I think :-) My concern is how to clock the center-console rod into the bottom of the shifter so that the u-joint and the rear shift rod end up where they are meant to be? Is there a simply procedure to accomplish this? Both the engine and the trans are out of the car. Just FYI: I'm just about to install one of Chris Foley's firewall bushing kits. All other bushings will be urethane of bronze. Thanks in advance for whatever help is available. Chris

D'oh! Clearly, I'm new at this. I should have posted this in the tech section. How can I migrate it over there?

Put the trans selector in 2nd.
Then with the shift lever held gently against the first/rev spring, not compressing it, push the shifter forward so it slides onto the tunnel rod.

Clocking it will be done once the power train is all in. Install everything in the engine bay including all shift linkage, then slide in the shifter assembly lower coupling into the tunnel rod.

Last, do the procedure dug suggested.

{Insert palm to the forehead emoticon here} That makes perfect sense. Thanks guys.

Examine the reverse detent plate and the contact point on the shift lever for wear. If the underside of the shift lever housing is gunked up, clean it. Have you sourced the firewall conversion bushing yet?