There is no such thing as a Ford Mustang, Fairlane, Galaxie 4 speed shifter. although the shifters will be interchangeable for the most part, they will only be correct for their designated application. There are over 30 individual handles used during the period. All reverse lock handles up to Jan 2, 1968 had a 1′ 7/8 bolt spacing after that they had a 2″ bolt… Saddles can be changed to accommodate changing handles from a model or year to another.
Exceptions to the interchangeability rule include the 1964-65 Galaxie top loader linkage, it will also fit the same year Fairlane and Tiger top loader, and the T10 Galaxie linkage will also fit T10 Fairlane transmissions. This is the case even though the Fairlane drivetrain is 2″ shorter.
In 1969, Ford changed the 4-speed gear levers to eliminate the cable lock. The lockout function was built into the gear lever control mechanism itself. This feature was a brittle stamped piece of steel. It would usually break around 65,000 miles depending on usage, also the mainspring had the same breakage problem. Although the control mechanisms were basically the same between the Mustang, Torino and Galaxie, the linkages were different and the gear levers were different. Only the Big Block Mustang uses an adapter plate and this unit was used for only one year.
Ford moved to the Hurst shifter in 1970 and it was only used by Mustang/Cougar and Torino/Cyclone, even though the 1970 adapter plate had a Big Ford part number, they never put a 4 speed on a Galaxy. that plate was used only for the Torino/Cyclone and three different adapter plates were used for the Mustang: Big Block, Small Block and Boss 429. The 1970-71 Hurst handles were flat and the 1972-73 handles were round, both had the Hurst embossing on them and in each case, the Torino/Cyclone handles were longer than the Mustang, but the round handles in 1972-1973 were only slightly longer.
The 1970 Hurst shifter control mechanism housing was cad plated and in 1971-1973 it was black oxide. The 1972-73 Torino/Cyclone control mechanisms were different than the 1970-71 and used a stamped steel adapter plate and there were no part numbers on the plate.
In conclusion, when it comes to Ford’s 4-speed gear sticks, you can never say never and you can never say always, back in the day it was a combination gear stick. If you’re restoring one of these models and need shifter parts, consider these differences that can save you time and money. Know your source and where you get Ford 4 speed gear shift parts to keep your project running smoothly.
