B&M 80775 Unimatic Automatic Shifter, Universal 3/4 Speed

A column shifter that no longer lines up with the indicator, a worn factory floor shift with slop in every gear, or a swap car that needs a floor shifter where none existed are the usual reasons people shop for the B&M 80775 Unimatic. It is a universal floor-mount detent shifter for two-, three- and four-speed automatics, with the look of a manual four-speed stick and a T-handle. It works with the GM 4L60E, 4L65E and 4L80E, the 700R4, 200-4R, TH400, TH350, TH250 and TH200, plus Ford C4, C5 and C6 and Chrysler TorqueFlite families.

What the shifter does in a 4L60E

The 4L60E selector lever on the left side of the case turns the manual shaft, which moves the manual valve in the valve body and sets Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive and the manual ranges. The transmission has its own detent spring that clicks into each position, and the Unimatic uses those factory gates rather than a ratchet. What sets it apart from other universal shifters is that it connects to the transmission with a 5 ft cable instead of a solid rod, so the shifter can sit almost anywhere on a flat section of floor. To move into Reverse or Park the stick has to be pushed down lightly, which keeps you from knocking it out of Drive. A neutral safety switch is built into the shifter so the engine will crank only in Park or Neutral. It does not have a backup light switch, so plan to keep the factory range switch or add a separate switch for the reverse lights.

Symptoms that point to the shifter or linkage

• The lever position does not match the gear the transmission is actually in
• The engine will not crank in Park, or cranks in Neutral only after wiggling the lever
• Loose, sloppy column shift with play before the gear engages
• The transmission seems to start in the wrong gear or skips a range, which can be a linkage problem before it is a valve body problem

How to confirm before buying

Disconnect the linkage at the transmission and move the selector lever by hand. You should feel a clear click in every position. If the clicks are clean at the case but the column lever is vague, the fault is in the column or linkage. If the truck shifts wrong even with the lever moved by hand, look inside the transmission instead, starting with our 4L60E shift solenoid guide and the Silverado 1500 shift problems guide.

Fitment

B&M supplies cable brackets and levers for most popular automatics. Two exceptions matter for 4L60E owners. B&M says a 4L60E, 4L65E, 4L70E, 4L80E or 4L85E equipped with a PRNDL (range) switch needs their optional cable bracket kit 70499, which is sold separately. A Ford AOD needs kit 40496. The shifter needs a flat floor area with no obstruction for 8 in behind it, where the cable exits, and 2.5 in of clearance below the floor. Console cars may need console modification or removal. The stick is chrome-plated steel and the lever is 12.72 in long. If you are not sure which bracket your transmission takes, send us the year and VIN or browse the 4L60E parts collection.

Install notes

• Remove the stock linkage. On a locking steering column, lock the column lever in the full up position as B&M describes.
• Cut the floor using the paper template, drill four 9/32 in holes and mount the shifter with the four 1/4-20 bolts, cable bracket facing rearward.
• On GM transmissions the cable bracket mounts on two left-side pan bolts with two spacers, torqued to 12-13 ft-lb. With a cast aluminum pan B&M says to omit the spacers and the bracket may need modifying, so keep that in mind with an aluminum deep pan.
• Use the front hole on the B&M selector lever. With a four-speed like the 4L60E, set the cable with both the shifter and the transmission lever in their rearmost position, then confirm the swivel slides freely in Park and in every gear.
• Wire the neutral safety switch and test that the engine cranks only in Park and Neutral before driving.
• Route the cable away from exhaust heat with no sharp bends. For a swap into an older chassis, the 1959-1964 Impala 4L60E crossmember gives you a correct mount to work from.

Does the B&M 80775 work with a 4L60E?

Yes, B&M lists the 4L60E and 4L65E. If your transmission has a PRNDL range switch on the selector shaft, B&M says you need their optional cable bracket kit 70499, sold separately.

Is this a ratchet shifter?

No. It is a detent shifter that uses the transmission's own detents, so it shifts like a stock lever. If you want a race-style ratchet, see our 81120 and 80842 ratchet shifters.

Will my reverse lights still work?

The Unimatic has a neutral safety switch but no backup light switch. Keep the factory range switch connected for the reverse lights or add a separate switch.

How do I keep it from starting in gear?

Wire the shifter's neutral safety switch into the start circuit. B&M explains how to extend the factory neutral safety wires, or how to cut and route the purple start wire on GM columns with a mechanical interlock. Test that it cranks only in Park and Neutral.

Can I mount it anywhere on the floor?

Almost. It needs a flat area, 8 in of clear space behind it for the cable, and 2.5 in below the floor. Check under the car for frame rails and exhaust before cutting.

What is included?

B&M lists a boot, the neutral safety switch, a 5 ft cable, brackets, levers, mounting hardware and a black T-handle.

• 4L60E Shift Solenoid Symptoms, Testing and Replacement
• 4L60E Silverado 1500 Shift Problems: Diagnosis and Fix
• 4L60E Camaro Shift Problems: Diagnosis and Fix
• 4L60E Tahoe Shift Problems: Diagnosis and Fix