Shifter shaft/pawl

[Emerica1975]

I’m putting a 165st engine together. I have 2 different shifter shaft assemblies but one of the assemblies has a pawl that is a bit taller than the other one is 2.040 inches tall the other is 1.980 inches tall. I know it’s not much. Both shifter shafts have smooth ends. Are they for different model engines? My parts book only shows the difference being that one has a smooth end and one with splines on the end where the shifter shaft would go. The cases are 1959st. If that matters. Thanks!

[John]

That's very interesting. I'm looking forward to the replies you get. I bet Mutt will know.

[Emerica1975]

I figured I should show a view of each shaft. They’re machined a little different. But I don’t think that should matter.

[MrMarty51]

The splines, is that for the gear indicator pointer thats included on some models ?

[Emerica1975]

The splines are for the shifter lever to grip onto and believe. But Harley stoped putting splines on after 1953 I think and just went to a smooth shaft.

[Mutt]

There are actually 5 different shafts. 3 splined shafts and 2 smooth ones. The smooth shafts was used starting in 1955 and til the end of production in 1966. The first 3 are all splined. Just running up grades. The splined shaft & lever were by far the best.

[Emerica1975]

Thanks for the info. I guess the pawl being a little different in length doesn’t matter. I always over think thing’s.