3 on the tree to automatic but keeping the steering column and shift pattern
 

Has anybody thought of a kit to configure a 3 on the column shifter to work an automatic transmission? Ideally, I would like something electronic or combination levers and electronic that would result in pull and up for reverse, middle for neutral, pull and down for 2, push and up for 3 and push and down for drive, and ignition switch off, shifter in neutral, and truck not rolling to automatically shift to park. Govern start with neutral safety switch as well as require clutch pedal depressed to start. Also use clutch pedal depressed to release shift position locking. It would be pretty much compatible with a driver thinking it was 3 on the tree, but the normal shift pattern for backing out of your driveway followed by going forward would be to shift into reverse using the clutch, then shifting into drive using the clutch. Using the other 2 gears wouldn't hurt but wouldn't be necessary. I think it would be cool. An LS engine and automatic transmission for my truck is in the future so it got me thinking about this stuff.

Re: 3 on the tree to automatic but keeping the steering column and shift pattern
 

Are you ok? You're talking about something that would take a lot of engineering, fabrication & adjustment to make work all for no benefit whatsoever.

Re: 3 on the tree to automatic but keeping the steering column and shift pattern
 

Ha ha, no it would seem not OK! Others may not see the benefit, but for me it seems it would be cool.

Re: 3 on the tree to automatic but keeping the steering column and shift pattern
 

The first issue I see is the Automatic requires two more detente than the three on the tree.
As 67 says, the whole column would have to be re-engineered to do what you speak of, and then reconfiguring the linkage to actuate the shift points in the transmission :smoke:

Re: 3 on the tree to automatic but keeping the steering column and shift pattern
 

That would would be cool, but it also would be like what the monkey said when he peed on the cash register….

Re: 3 on the tree to automatic but keeping the steering column and shift pattern
 

All that effort could be spent on much more beneficial things…:metal:

Re: 3 on the tree to automatic but keeping the steering column and shift pattern
 

Dave, only a fellow Texan would understand your thinking...;)