I have an original shift lever with the reverse trigger lever on my 1933 1 1/2 ton, original transmission. It’s always been super sloppy, shifts fine for the most part.

The problem I’m having is once it is in gear, or even in neutral, it sways all over the place - a good couple of inches at least in either direction. Is this a matter of disconnecting and replacing bushings or something similar? Or a sign or a larger issue? Any ideas of where I could find a replacement lever with the trigger? I’ve seen some for other vintage cars, but not sure how to properly tell if one would work.

I think there is a spring just under the round housing at the bottom end if the shift lever.. that creates tension on the lever .... thus keeping it from flopping around.... you might be missing that spring or it is old and compressed... you have to pull out the lever from the transmission housing to see it...

I e never pulled the lever out. Any tips on where to do this? There are two pins at the bottom of the lever. These pins are on either side and I’m not sure how they’re connected. They don’t appear to be threaded. I don’t want to damage anything g as I look into this.

There might not be two pins (one on either side).... it could be one pin, going all the way through. from one side to the other... try tapping one end of that pin ... in, with a pointed punch... and see if the other end moves out... then you could grip the end coming out and pull it out.. then the shift lever will pull up & out.... revealing the spring..... hope this helps...

No need to tap on the pin. The lever is removed by pushing down and twisting on the tin cap that surrounds the lever at the top of the tower. (counter clockwise-I think) It is doubtful you will find anything that is a "smoking gun" that is causing your floppiness. There are several wear points and a little wear in each place adds up to significant flop at the knob. If you can detect sone wear at the bottom tip of the lever, you might be able to build it up and reshape it for some improvement.
Feel free to call me if my instructions do not make sense.

Mike
Columbia, MO
573 864 6539

Thanks Mike, I may give you a ring after I play with it this weekend depending on what i find out (once it’s not 100 degrees in the garage). I’m in Olathe, Ks- just a bit north of where it looks like you are in Columbia.

I did look a little closer last night, looks like I can turn the cap with some effort. But didn’t want to go too far without knowing for sure that was the right method. I’ll give it a go

I’ll be in touch.
Adam

Adam,
Don't worry about turning the cap. You can't really do anything wrong. Make sure the trans is in neutral. The stick will just lift out when the cap is twisted.
If your reverse lockout lever spring is missing, you can get a new one from Jim Carter but installation is quite an ordeal. You can add a $2.00 spring from the hardware store at the bottom of the lever and get the same result. Good luck.

Mike