Abstract: A gear shift connecting apparatus of the type operable to latch and release a gear shift rod of a tiltable tractor cab to a chassis portion of the tractor. The gear shift connecting apparatus includes a housing operably connected to the tractor chassis and a connection member fashioned on the lowermost portion of the gear shift rod. A hydraulically actuated connecting/release assembly is mounted within the housing and includes a cylindrical cup operable to receive the connection portion of the gear shift rod. In a connection mode spherical locking members carried by a cylindrical sleeve radially engage a connection portion of the gear shift rod. A locking/disabling sleeve is telescopically mounted about the cylindrical sleeve and is biased in a posture to retain the spherical locking members in contact with the gear shift rod. In a release mode a hydraulic chamber is actuated which slides the locking/disabling sleeve out of backup contact with the spherical locking members.