got a three on the tree, and cant find parts.
 

Hey fella's, I've just got my hands on an old fleetside that is near to my heart. I had one alot like it when I was 16, learned to drive in it and have been on the lookout for one for... oh about 20 years.

So the long of the short is. Have any of ya'll located and or been able to rebuild one of these three speed column shifters? With new or aftermarket parts..

I know its not a very desirable set up, and all my buddies are tellin me to just install a floor shifter, or an auto, or go 4/5 speed and be done with it, but I wanna stay original. Thats why I bought this particular truck, nostalgia..

Thanks in advance :bowtie:

Re: got a three on the tree, and cant find parts.
 

Good for you sticking to originality! Search the forum for threads. I've seen posts about bushing, etc....

Mine was a 3 on tree until the owner before me moved it to the floor. Keep us updated

Re: got a three on the tree, and cant find parts.
 

thanks for the tip, the bushings in the linkage arms appear to be good, and intact with the metal sleeves.

The problem with it is that the "arm" for 2nd/3rd gear will kinda fall or stay in or near the 3rd gear position.

Pardon me for not knowing the correct terms. but on the column, the part that actually moves the linkage rods, wont engage the 1st or reverse linkage rod all the time..

I found a post somewhere on an adjustment for these and am attempting to adjust it, hoping for the best, but I see one plastic bearing cup cracked, and the bearing itself looks to be a bit worn..
bearing cup
https://scontent-b-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/...94479748_n.jpg

this is the "actuator" for the lack of better terms..

https://scontent-b-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/...29028781_n.jpg

and this piece here, I'm hopin' is supposed to be 3/4 cut..

https://scontent-b-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/...48315316_n.jpg
https://scontent-b-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/...40768884_n.jpg

Re: got a three on the tree, and cant find parts.
 

All of the parts you are showing seem visually okay. The plastic piece you mention is cracked and this is very common on all columns. All of the pieces you mentioned won't have anything to do with how it shifts. basically you have the plastic bearing holder, bearing, bearing retainer(3/4 cut piece) and a clip to hold it on. As far as the actual 3 on the tree specific stuff I have no idea. I do have factory manual and would be happy to scan the pages for you if needed though.

Re: got a three on the tree, and cant find parts.
 

Or since you are local in phoenix I could print out the pages from the manual and give them to you.

Re: got a three on the tree, and cant find parts.
 

Hey that would be great!! As I'm unable to find any PDF stuff so far. And seem to have misplaced or left behind my old manuals...

Where bouts are you located?

Re: got a three on the tree, and cant find parts.
 

So, I'm guessing it's mostly an adjustment issue?

Re: got a three on the tree, and cant find parts.
 

So I'm a little embarrassed to say, but in my defense I'm a class 8 mekanik..
Here it is, I think I got the linkage actuator squared away, but still having difficulty changing gears. Or more appropriately selecting the intended gear.

https://scontent-b-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/...30876365_n.jpg

slop in the shifter arm pin.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.n...26800905_n.jpg

I'm going to pull the column back out, and tear it down completely and then try and find another column in a j/y hopefully... if not maybe a little creativity with some jb.

Re: got a three on the tree, and cant find parts.
 

Good luck on your hunt! There aren't very many of them out there but they do show up. I was at 3 wrecking yards today and didn't see any of them.

Re: got a three on the tree, and cant find parts.
 

I miss driving 3OTT. You should watch the chase scene from the 1978 film Driver. YouTube it if you haven't seen it.

Re: got a three on the tree, and cant find parts.
 

The column wears internally, the gates get all beat up and then the column wil hang 1-2 or get locked in 3rd.

The later 3/4 ton trck have a heavier trans and seem to have a more solid column. At least my 81 never had a linkage issue wheras the 77 does.

Re: got a three on the tree, and cant find parts.
 

Super hard columns to find. Find someone to rebuild yours before you yank it. Have it back in a week. Good as new.

Re: got a three on the tree, and cant find parts.
 

I was under the impression that the three on the tree was only used in half ton's. What are all the applications for these? It would be great to know there are more for availability!

Re: got a three on the tree, and cant find parts.
 

These do show up occasionally. I saw one a few months ago at the wrecking yard. I will keep my eyes open for one

Re: got a three on the tree, and cant find parts.
 

I can rebuild it myself if I could find parts, or a diagram... I have it out and will ship it to ANYWHERE if they can promise me they will make it like "new" again. But I doubt thats a possible, since I cant seem to find anything on these online.

Have you got a place near you that works on these old shifters? If so could you give my their info, so I could contact them? I'd love to have this thing like new again SOON!

thanx!

Re: got a three on the tree, and cant find parts.
 

Appreciate that btcrew! , btw, would you have a line on any thing internal to the column, or perhaps pieces to the column in new or aftermarket?

I have cash! lol

Re: got a three on the tree, and cant find parts.
 

I found a stolen and recovery shop that did air bags and steering columns. A good auto body place can recommend one.
I just wanted it work correctly and im glad I spent the coin.

Re: got a three on the tree, and cant find parts.
 

Might try these guys:

http://www.columnsgalore.com/index.htm

Re: got a three on the tree, and cant find parts.
 

Thanks for the tips, but that sounds about as complicated as just finding the parts...

Re: got a three on the tree, and cant find parts.
 

AWESOME!!! Sure appreciate the link DPowers!!! I called them this morning but unfortunately they are closed on the weekends, but I left a msg and hope to hear back from them on monday. The did have a listing online for complete rebuilt column for $575, but the ol' lady kinda threw a fit... Their page showed that they will have parts available online soon, so hoping I can sort something out with them, possibly a whole kit, or find a way to itemize just the parts I need.

Thanks again man, that is what I have been looking for!! Outstanding!!

Re: got a three on the tree, and cant find parts.
 

pretty sure do to abuse this piece is trash.. and hopefully I can get a replacement thru Dpowers link.

https://scontent-b-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/...34985281_n.jpg

https://scontent-b-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/...99486742_n.jpg

Not sure what to think here, it appears bent, but not sure if this is supposed to be bent, or if this happened from abuse...

https://scontent-a-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/...34656589_n.jpg


this pic also shows a broken shim, and the little white pieces are some sort of tube guide/shims that have worn down over the years.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.n...93876236_n.jpg

MY thinking is, adding up all the play, and slop from these worn and broken components are adding up to ALOT of play near the bottom of the column where it counts.

So if I am able to acquire all the little pieces needed, the ol truck should be back on the road here shortly!!


Thanks again for the help guys!

Re: got a three on the tree, and cant find parts.
 

Thought I'd share some pics of the ol' truck, I know how much everybody likes pics!

https://scontent-a-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/...40938075_n.jpg

https://scontent-b-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/...86617596_n.jpg

https://scontent-a-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/...20210170_n.jpg

https://scontent-a-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/...03963853_n.jpg

https://scontent-a-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/...89952320_n.jpg

https://scontent-a-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/...97610961_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.n...04250738_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.n...07349711_n.jpg

title matches the odometer, and reads 99k, been sittin for atleast 4 years.

Re: got a three on the tree, and cant find parts.
 

Three on the tree setup.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=215307

Snag the service manuals for 73 & 74 from my service manual thread.

The 78 Wiring and Unit Repair manuals are up. I'll be posting the 78 service manual soon but the 73 & 74 manuals have a lot more theory of operation info than the later year manuals.

Re: got a three on the tree, and cant find parts.
 

YOU ARE THE MAN!!!!!!

Thank you for the help, awesome work!


Being able to read factory service manuals is sooooo helpful, I have now got some reinforcement to some of the ideas I have about returning the ol girl to a like new feel. (as far as the shifting goes.)
1. replace detent springs, balls or lever which ever applies (still have to identify trans I have) in the cover plate.
2. now have an exploded diagram and names to match the parts for ordering, like wave washer.
3. adjustment for bottom bearing, I had it figured out, but knowing the factory setting of .005'' is key!

So glad you posted that! Thanks again!!! :metal:

Re: got a three on the tree, and cant find parts.
 

Some heavy 1/2's, some BB cars in the 60's, 3/4 ton trucks with 250's and possibly 292/305's. Mine's a 1981 light 3/4 with 250 inline and the HD 3 speed and no other options. I'm not sure exactly what is different but it has the big clutch and a different option code. And the column shifting seems much more robust than any of my earlier stuff.