Need help with 820-037 transmission

Hello, its time to ask my first question. I have a Craftsman mower, i decided to upgrade the transmission from whatever it was to a Tecumseh 820-037. Well, the biggest problem i have is the shifter rod is too long. The old one was barely sticking out of the case, new one is almost 6". I tried swapping them, doesn't fit. Tried lifting the body 2.5" but then the link from the shifter rod to the shifter doesn't fit. I'm stuck. Would anyone have a part number to the shorter shifter rod and fork? Anyone had a similar problem and care to share how you made it work? ( i don't have an image host to post pictures)

Welcome! I’m not particularly familiar with the 820s, but I believe @MightyRaze and @RichieRichOverdrive could probably help you there. I looked at some pictures of an 820 shift fork and I believe that it could be shortened if someone were so inclined as to drill and tap it. Or, cut it down, drill out the lower unit and turn down the top end on a lathe (if you have access to one). Keep your eyes peeled on E-bay, often stuff shows up on there used for pretty reasonable.

Welcome to the ATLTF!

I'd personally cut it shorter and thread it to match the shift knob or just cut a section out and weld the threaded section back on. Could probably use a universal car shifter knob that's held on with set screws also. Those are the quickest, easiest and cheapest solutions I can think of, can't say I think it would be a good idea to glue it on unless it's a throw away tractor.

Murray had a long shifter Craftsman has a short shifter.  Easiest is to cut it and reweld it.  If you do not have that capability. Try to find a craftsman model with the 820 and look at its transaxle listing.

I think it is... 784342: ROD & FORK

Thank guys, a bunch of great ideas. It is the same part number i found, however it's not available anymore. I tried buying it online, but all my orders got refunded. Last order is processing with sears parts direct, but i'm expecting it to be canceled.
I have no access to a welder, or a lathe. Not exactly sure what i'm gonna do...I could maybe cut it, and tap it. The problem is the top is square, and the metal is super hard, pretty much the same hardness as a file, so without some serious equipment its not gonna be easy. A little stuck...

Oh are you talking about the shift shaft itself coming out of the transaxle being too long!? If so that's a whole new ballgame!

@Brianator yes apologies if i wasnt clear. wish i could post pictures

I'd sure love pictures right now that's for sure! Lol

Does this look right or close to what you have?

@Brianator yes, it does. And i need it to be barely protruding from the the case somehow. I even sent a message to Peerless trying to see if they have the obsolete part somewhere tucked away

Your 820 a 5 speed?

@MightyRaze  I thought it was a 6 speed

Upon further research-it is a 5 speed

@Brianator gonna try to add pictures
https://ibb.co/23kd1gw
https://ibb.co/qsTf86X

Not knowing what your budget is I'd say the best, strongest and cleanest way would be to have a machine shop duplicate the shorter one with the longer one.

If you have some tools and fabrication skills it looks possible to make your own drop bracket out of steel flat bar that's similar in thickness and width.

So hard to help from a distance! Lol.

Thank you, yes i know. I might be able to take the long shaft one and cut it shorter and weld it, depending on the local welders availability. Ill have to make it work somehow! Thank for the ideas and all the help!

I wouldn't weld the plate on the shaft (in case you need to remove it) or even weld that shaft period, it's probably hardened and the heat from the welding will destroy that. A machinist could cut it shorter, cut the square on top and tap the threads. Then it's a strong as factory and looks really clean.  

Here's my idea for the drop bracket which would literally only need 2 bends and 2 holes. The hardest part would be making the square hole but it can be done with a 1/8" drill bit and a small hand file (some patience required). I'm not a good artist but I'm sure you'll get it.

@Brianator interesting idea. might be something doable with my lack of access to more serious equipment

Hi, yes the 820-037 shift shaft is longer and bigger in diameter than the earlier 820-016(or similar models). I went through the same problem you had. I cut the shaft down and ground a new square on with a cutoff wheel on an angle grinder and hand drilled and tapped a new 1/4-28 thread in the shaft (this was before I had a machine shop). Also the shaft is only case hardened, meaning the center is soft.

If you’re interested you can send me your new and old shift shaft as well as one of your shifter arms and I can cut the square and drill and tap it. You just cover shipping. It’s a 10 minute job for me. Otherwise you should be able to get a working part with a steady hand and a grinder on your own. Slow and easy and lots of test fitting. A press fit is good, but not necessary.

@RichieRichOverdrive thank you so much for your offer! Peerless actually sent me a correct part number for the short shift rod and fork, its 784375, which is in stock at most places. I just received it today, and besides the shaft being a little thinner, it looks like the perfect match. Otherwise i was going to take the old one to a local machine shop. Thanks again!

Good to hear. You’ll probably want some bushings to take up the slack in the holes. Those shift shafts leak enough with a correct fit lol.

@RichieRichOverdrive yea ive been trying to figure out what to do there. Any suggestions?

Figure the ID and OD of the bushing and see what’s readily available. Besides that you may have to have some made.