Column Shift or Floor Shift? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Ole Blue 68 · 02-05-2008, 01:07 PM

I'm getting ready to drop an auto (700r4) in my truck and wanted to get some input on what route I should go with the shifter; column shifter off of a donor truck or a B&M Truck Megashifter... Originally, I was gonna go with the Megashifter since I've already got a hole cut in my floor but I can actually pickup a column shifter at a decent price. So what do you all think?

**Ron 586** · 02-05-2008, 01:23 PM

If it's going to be mostly a driver put it on the column. If you are going to race it then get the floor mounted model. Really just buy the one you want, either will do both jobs with ease.

jd4300fel · 02-05-2008, 11:01 PM

I am put a floor shifter in mine mr gasket brand. my truck is on a 86 frame it made life easier dealing with the linkage going with the floor shift

myoldchevytruck · 02-05-2008, 11:28 PM

Automatic.....No Question. Go with the Column Shifter.

shelby987 · 02-05-2008, 11:33 PM

Lol, I thought this was regarding a manual trans......either way, for these truck, column is the way to go.....keeps the bench seat pratical.

Ole Blue 68 · 02-06-2008, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shelby987

Lol, I thought this was regarding a manual trans......either way, for these truck, column is the way to go.....keeps the bench seat pratical.

Yeah sorry, should have made that more clear in the title. Currently, I have a 3spd manual that a PO moved from the column to the floor. Now that move makes sense to me but I wasn't so sure about what to do with an auto. Originally, I was thinking about just going with the megashifter since I've already got a hole in the floor but after talking to another guy who did the swap, he had me thinking column shift.

I've never used a megashifter before so how hard is it? This will primarily be a driver so I'd mostly be using Park, Reverse and Drive. Is that doable with a ratchet or do you have to manually go through the gears to get to Drive?

Thanks!

greasy68 · 02-05-2008, 11:35 PM

Column shift for sure. Save the floor shifter for a big block and turbo 400.

Psycho71 · 02-06-2008, 12:37 AM

If it's just going to be a driver, go with the column shift. The mega shifters do require lifting the release lever to get from park to any gear, and again coming out of forward gear into park or reverse. You might find that a PITA while toodling around town.

I built a console for my truck, and installed the B&M Hammer shifter in mine. It has the same shifting characteristics as the mega, and I can see not liking the release lever for driving around town. But I also plan on doing some darg racing with it at some point, so the reverse lockout, and ratchet shift capabilities will be useful there. Plus, it just looks cool in the console, to me anyway.

It really all boils down to what YOU want. It's your truck.

But if you've never used a mega shifter, or one like it, it can be interesting at first. Somtimes downright odd. But it soon becomes habit. I've used several of them in past vehicles.

Jay

haysonj · 02-06-2008, 01:18 AM

How hard is it to lift a lever not a lot differant than pushing a clutch in. It is cable operated so you could mount it on the dash if you want or roof

Ole Blue 68 · 02-06-2008, 01:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by haysonj

How hard is it to lift a lever not a lot differant than pushing a clutch in. It is cable operated so you could mount it on the dash if you want or roof

Point well taken! I guess another consideration is my wife. She can't drive the truck at all right now because of the 3 spd. In some ways that's a good thing but it also results in her btching a lot about "that damn truck." I figure she'll btch less about it if she can actually drive it.

Also, is that the truck megashifter in your cab? Is that stock height or did you modify it?

haysonj · 02-06-2008, 02:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ole Blue 68

Point well taken! I guess another consideration is my wife. She can't drive the truck at all right now because of the 3 spd. In some ways that's a good thing but it also results in her btching a lot about "that damn truck." I figure she'll btch less about it if she can actually drive it.

Also, is that the truck megashifter in your cab? Is that stock height or did you modify it?

Thats the truck one and it comes with a plastic housing the you have to cut to match your floor pan. Pretty simple really

Ole Blue 68 · 02-06-2008, 02:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by haysonj

Thats the truck one and it comes with a plastic housing the you have to cut to match your floor pan. Pretty simple really

Cool, that actually comes up higher than I thought it did. Looks good!

Brad · 02-06-2008, 02:08 AM

I'm also facing the same dillema right now. I don't like column shifters, but I like the ugly bulkiness of the auto floor shifters even less. I also think the Lokar shifters with their long handles look goofy. I'll be going with the column shifter.

72BlckButy · 02-06-2008, 04:31 AM

Column shifter...

67ChevyRedneck · 02-06-2008, 05:05 AM

Is this too bulky?

I prefer floor shift. Especially with a 700R4. They like to shift into OD too early. It's nice to be able to tap it back and forth between 3rd and 4th using a floor shift than using a column.

Frizzle Fry · 02-06-2008, 07:00 AM

Columns are cool. I used to think the opposite but I guess I've graduated... or regressed

View Poll Results: Column Shifter or Floor Shifter?
Column Shifter	17	65.38%
Megashifter	9	34.62%
Voters: 26. You may not vote on this poll

02-05-2008, 01:07 PM	#1
Ole Blue 68 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Philly Posts: 1,140	Column Shift or Floor Shift? I'm getting ready to drop an auto (700r4) in my truck and wanted to get some input on what route I should go with the shifter; column shifter off of a donor truck or a B&M Truck Megashifter... Originally, I was gonna go with the Megashifter since I've already got a hole cut in my floor but I can actually pickup a column shifter at a decent price. So what do you all think?

02-05-2008, 01:23 PM	#2
Ron 586 RIP Mr Ron Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Big Sandy, Tn. 38221 Posts: 8,150	Re: Column Shift or Floor Shift? If it's going to be mostly a driver put it on the column. If you are going to race it then get the floor mounted model. Really just buy the one you want, either will do both jobs with ease. __________________ Ron (Mr Round Tuit) Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle TN Message Forum TN Facebook Group SETN Truck Show My Photobucket Last edited by Ron 586; 02-05-2008 at 11:09 PM.

02-05-2008, 11:01 PM	#3
jd4300fel Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: wheatland, Ca Posts: 427	Re: Column Shift or Floor Shift? I am put a floor shifter in mine mr gasket brand. my truck is on a 86 frame it made life easier dealing with the linkage going with the floor shift __________________ Mike K Friend of Bill W

02-05-2008, 11:28 PM	#4
myoldchevytruck Retired Air Force Veteran Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Pembroke Pines, Florida 33024 Posts: 1,808	Re: Column Shift or Floor Shift? Automatic.....No Question. Go with the Column Shifter. __________________ Harry 69' SWB Step Side 1/2 Ton w/68' Front Clip Swap from Leafs to Trailing Arms (Complete) Swap 6 Lug to 5 Lug (w/ Disk Brakes in Front) 3/6 Drop Help Support The Board Click Here For Information On How To Subscribe Krue's FAQ Page Vendors

02-05-2008, 11:33 PM	#5
shelby987 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Just outside Durham, NC Posts: 894	Re: Column Shift or Floor Shift? Lol, I thought this was regarding a manual trans......either way, for these truck, column is the way to go.....keeps the bench seat pratical. __________________ 1969 SS 350 Camaro Sold 2008 1970 3/4T K20, stock height with 33's, 250 I6, 3 on the tree, and locked front and rear 4.10's 1980 Chevy Malibu 2 dr Sold 2007 1993 Olds. Cutlass Ciera Wagon Traded 2006 2003 Saturn L200 w/5pd. D/D My list spans 5 decades with One common thread.....GM!

02-05-2008, 11:35 PM	#7
greasy68 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: austin texas Posts: 202	Re: Column Shift or Floor Shift? Column shift for sure. Save the floor shifter for a big block and turbo 400. __________________ Mike 68 C10 LWB midnight blue metallic 307ci, 700R4, HEI front discs, leaf spring rear tilt steering wheel, stock ride height, rally wheels, 2007 Dodge Charger(Hemi)

02-06-2008, 12:37 AM	#8
Psycho71 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kaufman, Tx Posts: 827	Re: Column Shift or Floor Shift? If it's just going to be a driver, go with the column shift. The mega shifters do require lifting the release lever to get from park to any gear, and again coming out of forward gear into park or reverse. You might find that a PITA while toodling around town. I built a console for my truck, and installed the B&M Hammer shifter in mine. It has the same shifting characteristics as the mega, and I can see not liking the release lever for driving around town. But I also plan on doing some darg racing with it at some point, so the reverse lockout, and ratchet shift capabilities will be useful there. Plus, it just looks cool in the console, to me anyway. It really all boils down to what YOU want. It's your truck. But if you've never used a mega shifter, or one like it, it can be interesting at first. Somtimes downright odd. But it soon becomes habit. I've used several of them in past vehicles. Jay __________________ You only need two tools in life - WD-40 and Duct Tape. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape. If a hammer doesn't fix it, you have an electrical problem! Slot Cars, 1:24 Scale, 100MPH@100,000RPM, fastest things on wheels!

02-06-2008, 01:18 AM	#9
haysonj Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Santa Maria, Ca. Posts: 1,423	Re: Column Shift or Floor Shift? How hard is it to lift a lever not a lot differant than pushing a clutch in. It is cable operated so you could mount it on the dash if you want or roof Attached Images __________________ 69 Chevy 4x4 383 Power

02-06-2008, 02:08 AM	#13
Brad Out of the carpool lane. Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Clark Co, WA Posts: 5,672	Re: Column Shift or Floor Shift? I'm also facing the same dillema right now. I don't like column shifters, but I like the ugly bulkiness of the auto floor shifters even less. I also think the Lokar shifters with their long handles look goofy. I'll be going with the column shifter. __________________ 1968 C-10 SWB, 5.7 Vortec/700R4/3.73 posi, Torch Red 1968 Camaro, 250/Powerglide, all original (No, I'm not gonna drop a 350 in it!...Jeez!) 2000 Honda VFR in the faster yellow! 2008 Husqvarna TE-610 1967 C-10 SWB 'Six Appeal'-Gone but not forgotten...

02-06-2008, 04:31 AM	#14
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: Column Shift or Floor Shift? Column shifter... __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

02-06-2008, 05:05 AM	#15
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: Column Shift or Floor Shift? Is this too bulky? I prefer floor shift. Especially with a 700R4. They like to shift into OD too early. It's nice to be able to tap it back and forth between 3rd and 4th using a floor shift than using a column. __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications! Last edited by 67ChevyRedneck; 02-06-2008 at 05:05 AM.

02-06-2008, 07:00 AM	#16
Frizzle Fry Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hillsboro Oregon Posts: 6,449	Re: Column Shift or Floor Shift? Columns are cool. I used to think the opposite but I guess I've graduated... or regressed

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