Maverick and Comet Repair

AUTOMATIC SHIFT LINKAGE ADJUSTMENT
Column Shift

Place the selector lever in the D (Drive) position against the D stop. On 1970 Mavericks with the C4S semi-automatic transmission, place the selector in the Hi position.
Loosen the shift rod adjusting nut at point A as shown in the illustration.
Shift the lever at the transmission into the D or Hi position, third detent from the rear on 1970-71 cars and second detent from the rear on 1972-77 cars.
Make sure the selector lever on the steering column has not moved from the D or Hi position, then tighten the nut at point A to 10-20 ft. lbs.
Start the car and check the operation of the selector lever in each selector lever position.

Floor or Console Shift

Place the transmission selector lever in the D (Drive) position against the rearward D stop.
Raise the vehicle and install jack stands beneath the lower control arms. Move the lever on the transmission to the D position, third detent from the back of the transmission on 1971 models, and second detent from the rear on 1972-77 models.
With both the selector lever and transmission lever in the D position, torque the attaching nut to 10-20 ft. lbs.
Start the car and check the operation of the transmission in each selector lever position.

LOCK ROD ADJUSTMENT
Floor or Console Shift Only

Adjust the shift linkage as outlined under "Automatic Shift Linkage Adjustment."
Raise the vehicle and install jack stands beneath the lower control arms. Loosen the lockrod retaining nut.
Remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle. Place the selector lever in the D position, tightly against the D stop.
Align the hole in the steering column socket casting with the column alignment mark and insert a 0.180 in. diameter pin (no. 15 drill). The column casting must not rotate with the gauge pin in position.
Raise the vehicle and reinstall the jack stands. Torque the lockrod retaining nut to 10-20 ft. lbs.
Remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle. Remove the gauge pin and check the linkage for proper operation.