Shifter Rods for the 4-speeds..."flabby" Inland versus stout Hurst?

[Dans 68]

I was reading the book "Muscle Car Confidential - Confessions of a Muscle Car Test Driver" http://www.amazon.com/Muscle-Car-Confidential-Confessions-Driver/dp/0760328315/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1239046201&sr=1-1, and was perplexed by part of the review of the '69-1/2 Roadrunner 6-barrel 4-speed. The reviewer mentions (and I liked the no holds bared review):

"On the ride home that night in my bright-red test car, I noted all the usual Road Runner faults - seat too low, steering wheel too high, steering wheel too big, tach minuscule, flabby Inland shifter rods under the Hurst shifter, the stupid 4-speed throws that made me bash my hand on every 2-3 shift. I noted them, then dismissed them because they existed on every Road Runner and were to be expected."

I did not know that Inland shifter rods were "flabby". Does anyone have any shifty experience with the Inland versus, I imagine, Hurst shifter rods? If there is a noticeable difference then I surely want a stouter rod when I upgrade to a Hurst shifter from my Inland. And why would they be used on a Hurst shifter in a '69 model anyway? The last of the Inlands were supposedly used prior to a mid-production '68 switch to the Hursts.

By the way, I enjoyed very much the book. But lately it seems that I'm always finishing a book with more questions than answers. 

Dan

[WingCharger]

I thought only Inland shifters got Inland rods?
Didn't all Inland installation stop in early '68 anyway?

[Dans 68]

I thought only Inland shifters got Inland rods?
Didn't all Inland installation stop in early '68 anyway?

Apparently not. According to Brewers Performance the Hurst shifter I purchased (that will allow the Inland shifter handle to bolt up ) will use the Inland shift rods.

Dan

[dpm68]

I need those rods...

[Supercharged Riot]

I have an A833

When they said "flabby" i interpreted that as the following example...

you shift into gear (doesnt matter which). you kind of move the shifter around (without actually getting out of gear) and the shifter moves around soo much (when engaged) it feels like you didnt bolt something in all the way.  It also makes it hard to find each gear when actually shifting.

Its hard for me to explain. just imagine a bolt thats not even screwed all the way which makes things feel like its going to fall apart.

[CB]

Sorry for resurrect this topic but Dan, did you get more feedback on this matter?
Thanks
CB

[Dans 68]

Yes. I  inquired over at the A body site () as they have a dedicated 4-speed forum. http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?t=59116. I was reaching for straws but got some good feedback. 

Dan

[CB]

Thanks again Dan for doing some of the research. To me it matters what kind of (or how good) shifter the Hurst one is. You drove my 69, it didn't shift right, right?

[Dans 68]

Well, I wouldn't say it didn't shift right. It did seem to be a bit difficult though to find the proper "slot" to engage the gears. That may just be the difference between the Inland versus the Hurst (but I doubt it). I would go over the shifter, though, and re-adjust/lube all the linkages to factory standards.

Dan

[A383Wing]

I'm still running the Inland shifters in both my 66's...no sloppy of shifter issues with mine...

My 

[bull]

Odd, I guess I missed this thread back in, what, April was it? I had no idea there was an Inland/Hurst hybrid setup.

[Dans 68]

Odd, I guess I missed this thread back in, what, April was it? I had no idea there was an Inland/Hurst hybrid setup.

Are you referring to the Inland adapted/Hurst shifter by Brewers Performance? http://www.brewersperformance.com/products.asp?id=50

Dan

[bull]

Odd, I guess I missed this thread back in, what, April was it? I had no idea there was an Inland/Hurst hybrid setup.

Are you referring to the Inland adapted/Hurst shifter by Brewers Performance? http://www.brewersperformance.com/products.asp?id=50

Dan

No, I'm referring to what you put in bold type below in your first post.

"On the ride home that night in my bright-red test car, I noted all the usual Road Runner faults - seat too low, steering wheel too high, steering wheel too big, tach minuscule, flabby Inland shifter rods under the Hurst shifter, the stupid 4-speed throws that made me bash my hand on every 2-3 shift. I noted them, then dismissed them because they existed on every Road Runner and were to be expected."

I've heard of Inlands on top of Hurst rods but never Hurst shifters on top of Inland rods. Am I missing something?

[A383Wing]

Am I missing something?

Couple of working brain cells maybe?? 

[bull]

Am I missing something?

Couple of working brain cells maybe?? 

I guess. Is that the way you're reading this? I mean, it's not real common for a Hurst shifter to be using Inland links is it?

[A383Wing]

No...it's usually the other way around....Inland handle attached to Hurst shifter and rods...

(the brain cell comment was a joke)

[bull]

No...it's usually the other way around....Inland handle attached to Hurst shifter and rods...

(the brain cell comment was a joke)

Yea, I know goofball.

I just thought it was odd and then I thought it was even odder when Dan thought it was odd that I thought it was odd.

[Dans 68]

No...it's usually the other way around....Inland handle attached to Hurst shifter and rods...

(the brain cell comment was a joke)

Yea, I know goofball.

I just thought it was odd and then I thought it was even odder when Dan thought it was odd that I thought it was odd.

Can't we odd just get along? 

Dan

[A383Wing]

I just thought it was odd and then I thought it was even odder when Dan thought it was odd that I thought it was odd.

ya wanna try that again....this time in English? 

Can't we odd just get along? 

Dan

Odd-viously not!   

[Rolling_Thunder]

I have driven both types of set ups - I think they feel just about the same (when adjusted and operating properly)   

[CB]

I have driven both types of set ups - I think they feel just about the same (when adjusted and operating properly)    

So the trick is fine tune the whole set up?

Dan adviced to get my shifter out and get her serviced and then reinstall to factory standards.
I can't send out the shifter for a rebuild.

[Rolling_Thunder]

Sometimes I find that the holes one the levers have excess play where it attaches to the rods - I combat this by using washers as needed to the point I can barely get the jesus clip in the hole. Likewise on the levers on the shifter end itself.

This usually provides a great improvement if these are not present already.

The shift mechanism itself can be serviced by most people at home...   it is pretty easy - simply plates and shims - remove old gunk and re-lube it...   this doesnt usualy have anything to do with sloppiness - but helps with shift quality and smoothness   

[CB]

This might be a good idea to first try and get that thing work properly.
If I screw up I can go to plan B, buy a new shifter.

[A383Wing]

I have driven both types of set ups - I think they feel just about the same (when adjusted and operating properly)   

Yup...I agree....and I also have used the "washer" method of tightening up the shifter rods for less play

[Supercharged Riot]

Ill probably open up my old shifter and repair it later.
The side action of the shifter stick is more distinct than my old one.