?'s for you three on the tree gurus

[blazerparts]

The local Salvation Army has a '69 GMC 3/4 ton they took in as a donation for sale. It's a 292 three on the tree. Engine seems to run good (looks like the carb has been rebuilt, new dist. cap and plug wires, plugs). Body has a few dings but no rust. A sticker on the tailgate identifies it was an airport vehicle in the bay area at one time. They drop the price $50 a week until it sells, currently it's at $700. I looked at it and started it up but I noticed two things: first the transmission lever seems to be stuck in a forward gear and second the clutch doesn't disengage until almost fully let out. I haven't had a manuel transmission vehicle lately but if I remember correctly when the clutch doesn't let out until the pedal is almost out of travel there is too much clutch.

My questions:
- am I correct in thinking that when the clutch doesn't disengage until the pedal is almost fully let out, there is too much clutch and the linkage needs to be loosened?

- is there a common problem with the shift linkage in this type of truck and how do I fix?

Thanks in advance to your responses.

[71chevytruckguy]

i've got a got 2 trucks with 3 on the trees. some time the column will jam if you shift them too hard. you have to go under the hood on the column and pull the linkage rods until everything's in neutral and you should be fine. they take some gettin used to to drive a first. as far as the clutch goes, one both my trucks the clutch doesn't engage untill the pedal is almost all the way out.

[jimfulco]

Crawl up under the truck & look on the left side of the transmission. There should be two levers with attached linkage rods that go upwards and to the front. Each one can be in any of 3 positions (front-center-back). Use your hand to put each one in the center position. This will put the transmission in neutral. Get up in the cab & see if you can get it to shift properly.

The clutch sounds like it just needs an adjustment. Adjust the linkage (under the truck again) until there's about an inch of free play at the top of the pedal. In other words, you should be able to push the pedal down with your finger for an inch or so before meeting a big resistance. It should now begin to engage a couple of inches off the floor now. Engaging too close to the floor will make it grind into reverse and prematurely wear out your transmission synchronizers.

[PanelDeland]

If you buy, take the time to clean the shift linkages and lube them.If you see that the bushings in the shift arms mentioned above are worn out or missing you should replace them.It's amazing how much difference such a small part can make.

[blazerparts]

Thanks, guys.

[special-K]

Yeah,small problem,routine wear/lube.The clutches on the 3spd set-up always feel that way to me.And,1st is so high geared.So,they really wanna get rollin` once the clutch does take hold.