Thirtycoup
09-20-2004, 08:56 PM
i need a little help here. last winter i pulled the saginaw 4-speed and put in a 5-speed out of an '86 IROC-Z. now, i don't know if it's a T5 or a T10, what's the difference? next question concerns the shift handle assembly. the stock handle is straight and about 8" long and has a big black ball on it. i pulled the shifter handle assembly out of the top of the transmission because i wanted to cut it down to weld on a tab to be able to switch handles when i wanted. i have a few hurst handles as well as a home made handle about 28" long, it would be nice to switch them around from time to time for something different. my problem was after i got the handle over to the bench to check it out and determine where i wanted to cut it, i noticed that when you put a set of pliers on the handle, it will turn or swivel on the base about 1/2 a turn and returns to the original position when you let off. are there rubber vibration dampers or springs in there or something? i'm afraid to cut it and weld it and have the heat from the welding screw it up inside and it will be junk. the base of the shifter handle flares out some and it almost looks like it has internal threads and screws onto the base piece that bolts onto the top of the tranny. have any of you guys ever disassembled and cut one of these and welded your own handle onto it? any help would sure be appreciated, thanks, mike