My newly acquired '87 FC sport NA, I discovered the wires at the transmission were cut. When I repaired, the backup lights came on when shifter is in neutral position. After trying to test wires and circuits and being completely confused, I am realizing that someone installed the Neutral and reverse/5th switches in the wrong holes!

I was able to get to the switch on the drivers side, but the other is up too high to get.

Is there a way to lower the back of tranny without completely removing? Any tips to getting at the top switch? (I have contemplated just buying another Reverse/5th switch and installing in correct hole and leave the other at the top and wire it into Neutral wires!)

DaveJake
Minneapolis, MN
1986 Base
1987 Sport

 

You could try loosening the transmission cross-member mount where it attaches the frame. There are two bolts on each side (see photo below). The transmission tail shaft should drop an inch or two once that's undone. While you're doing that, you might want to check the rubber transmission bushings, especially the center bushing, as they tend to deteriorate with age.