I trying to get my 3spd O/D to shift as smooth as it can. The schematic of the shifter arms to trans shows a wave washer installed on the end of the shifter rod where it attaches to the shift lever and also to the transmission lever followed by a 5/16 flat washer and a cotter pin. I’m missing the wave washers and thought this an easy fix until I crawled under the car. I can barely see the rod ends let alone get my hands on them. It looks like I may be able to get at the shifter connections if I remove the muffler on the drivers side. The end that attaches to the transmission is another issue. Can anyone offer any advice?

1955 312 T-Bird Warwick, NY

Why not remove the levers on the transmission to do it. You may also remove the transmission mount. You might also pull the shifter out rods and all.

  Vic Correnti

To pull out the shifter assembly you will need to pull up the carpet as the shifter is screwed to the floor.  I have the transmission out of my 55 TBird right now.  Removing the transmission cross member should get you some more room.  My car has O/D and the tunnel is very tight.  To remove an O/D transmission without removing the engine in these cars you have to unbolt and drop the bellhousing with the tranny.