Top Loader Jumping Out Of Low Gear

[Wilma-Colorado]

The (supposedly) re-built top loader I put in my '70 F-100 longbox 302 is jumping out of low gear. This happens most when the transmission and engine are cold. Once I've driven a few miles and things get warm, it happens much less. I have a Hurst Comp-Plus shifter with home made shift rods. The shifter throw appears to be full travel and the levers are going to their limit of travel. No problems with second, third, fourth, reverse.

Any ideas ?

[Madman]

Normally I'd say synchros but if you have home made linkage I'd start there. It may LOOK like it fully engages but realistically we are talking in hundreths and thousanths of an inch tolerance. Can you try to adjust it a little and eliminate the linkage?

[sargentrs]

possibility. Have you tried disconnecting the linkage from the transmission, manually putting the lever in 1st, then drive with it like that for a few yards and see if it pops out? I had a chronic issue with my 3spd column shift and difficulties hitting the gears while shifting and it turned out to be bad column bearings and a worn steering column shaft. Rebuilt the column and all was good.