Some questions about 3-on-the-tree column shifters - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

jewels. · 05-13-2003, 03:16 PM

Hi guys! I enjoyed the discussion so much with my last post today, that I decided to post another thread!

btw,
YOU GUYS ARE GREAT!
THIS IS THE GREATEST BOARD OUT THERE BY FAR!!!
CHEERS!!!!

I have a three speed tranny with a shifter on the column.
When I rebuilt my engine, the mechanic who was showing me how to put all the pieces back together told me that he was somewhat unfamiliar with the column shifting linkage. But, we managed to get it together and functioning.

The linkage that I have is rather loose, and the mechanic mentioned that there might be some spacers of some type that could be put in certain locations to 'tighten things up'. I think he was indicating spacers that might be put near the linkage connections on the tranny.

Has anyone ever heard of this?
Was he just talking out of his ass? (He does this sometimes.)
What have you guys done to 'shore up' or 'tighten up' the three speed column shifters?
Any suggestions?

Thanks again!
jewels

Rod · 05-13-2003, 03:25 PM

The shifter slop is more than likely up in the column connection. There are small bushings that go into the holes where those 2 arms (in the case of a three speed) clamping type bolts go. Check if the slop is up higher. I havent been under a three speed in a while maybe there are similar bushing set ups at the bottom also.

So pretty much check the bolts and their bushing where parts are connected... you could be missing the bushing all together.

Rod

jewels. · 05-13-2003, 03:28 PM

hmmm - as an afterthought --- this may be a post that could use some pictures ---

i'll try after work this afternoon to post some digital pics to help this discussion

jewels

gr8scott51 · 05-13-2003, 11:38 PM

The column shifter in mine wore out IN THE COLUMN. I had the option of rebuilding the column - parts are available - or move the shifter to the floor. The Hurst Indy shifter is made for this purpose. But you said you were kinda nostalgic about the column shift, so visit some of the business links and find the parts to rebuild your column. Good luck, Scott

If you decide you want a floor shifter, I have one.

yellowgmc · 05-14-2003, 02:14 AM

i have on indy to put in. mine jammed in 3rd and i've had no time to fix it yet. soon i hope.

73stepside · 05-14-2003, 03:41 AM

the spacers go in the flate plates where the rods are in the column. they are rubber. you will have to put washers on either side of the rod to hold the rod tight to the flat plate. on the tranny side, the rods go into a similar thing as the column but no bushings, but tighten with nuts and bolts. once you get to looking at it you will know what i'm talking about.

yellowgmc, to unjam your linkage, there is asepserator inbetween the flat plates coming out of the column. if you wiggle the plates or push/pull on the seperator you will unjamm your linkage. the 73 i use to have did this all the time until i put in the floor shift. just be sure you spend the time to adjust the shifter linkage when you install the floor shifter, of you will have the same problem. i didn't spend the time to do it right and had to tear it down and readjust. spent many hours underneath that truck playing with shifter linkage. also your shift pattern will be backwards from the shift pattern on the knob. there is no other way to install it. they built these for ferds and didn't bother to change them for chevy

sneakysnake · 05-14-2003, 10:35 AM

If you find slack in the colomn is causing it to hang up,(two arms on colunm) there are two bolts on the end right after the two shifting arm, loosen them and they spiral on the colunm which tighten the cluster of arms and bushings.

05-13-2003, 03:16 PM	#1
jewels. Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Munster, IN Posts: 1,100	Some questions about 3-on-the-tree column shifters Hi guys! I enjoyed the discussion so much with my last post today, that I decided to post another thread! btw, YOU GUYS ARE GREAT! THIS IS THE GREATEST BOARD OUT THERE BY FAR!!! CHEERS!!!! I have a three speed tranny with a shifter on the column. When I rebuilt my engine, the mechanic who was showing me how to put all the pieces back together told me that he was somewhat unfamiliar with the column shifting linkage. But, we managed to get it together and functioning. The linkage that I have is rather loose, and the mechanic mentioned that there might be some spacers of some type that could be put in certain locations to 'tighten things up'. I think he was indicating spacers that might be put near the linkage connections on the tranny. Has anyone ever heard of this? Was he just talking out of his ass? (He does this sometimes.) What have you guys done to 'shore up' or 'tighten up' the three speed column shifters? Any suggestions? Thanks again! jewels __________________ 68 C10 Red Step 350 my first child & main focus 58 3200 Apache LWB Step the upcoming project

05-13-2003, 03:25 PM	#2
Rod Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Eastern - Manitoba Canada, Winnipeg Posts: 4,369	The shifter slop is more than likely up in the column connection. There are small bushings that go into the holes where those 2 arms (in the case of a three speed) clamping type bolts go. Check if the slop is up higher. I havent been under a three speed in a while maybe there are similar bushing set ups at the bottom also. So pretty much check the bolts and their bushing where parts are connected... you could be missing the bushing all together. Rod __________________ Senior active founding member. 70 3/4 ton GMC Suburban 4x4 250/4 spd. 71 1/2 ton Suburban Chevy 4x4, 350/350 72 Chev 1 ton tow truck 402BB w/Holmes 440 wrecker on propane 2005 FLSTSCI Harley Springer 85 FXSB Harley Lowrider 72 Triumph 650 Bonneville 5spd "Poor people don't have hobbies" Quote from wife.

05-13-2003, 03:28 PM	#3
jewels. Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Munster, IN Posts: 1,100	hmmm - as an afterthought --- this may be a post that could use some pictures --- i'll try after work this afternoon to post some digital pics to help this discussion jewels __________________ 68 C10 Red Step 350 my first child & main focus 58 3200 Apache LWB Step the upcoming project

05-13-2003, 11:38 PM	#4
gr8scott51 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bremerton, WA Posts: 1,839	The column shifter in mine wore out IN THE COLUMN. I had the option of rebuilding the column - parts are available - or move the shifter to the floor. The Hurst Indy shifter is made for this purpose. But you said you were kinda nostalgic about the column shift, so visit some of the business links and find the parts to rebuild your column. Good luck, Scott If you decide you want a floor shifter, I have one. __________________ Silence is golden, duct tape is silver. - Scott

05-14-2003, 02:14 AM	#5
yellowgmc Getting cabin fever?!?!?! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: chisholm, mn Posts: 1,679	i have on indy to put in. mine jammed in 3rd and i've had no time to fix it yet. soon i hope. __________________ Member of the Discs Up Front Club 1972 GMC 1500 1994 F-150 XL 4x4 Tact is for people not whitty enough to be sarcastic

05-14-2003, 03:41 AM	#6
73stepside Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Moore OK 73160 Posts: 974	the spacers go in the flate plates where the rods are in the column. they are rubber. you will have to put washers on either side of the rod to hold the rod tight to the flat plate. on the tranny side, the rods go into a similar thing as the column but no bushings, but tighten with nuts and bolts. once you get to looking at it you will know what i'm talking about. yellowgmc, to unjam your linkage, there is asepserator inbetween the flat plates coming out of the column. if you wiggle the plates or push/pull on the seperator you will unjamm your linkage. the 73 i use to have did this all the time until i put in the floor shift. just be sure you spend the time to adjust the shifter linkage when you install the floor shifter, of you will have the same problem. i didn't spend the time to do it right and had to tear it down and readjust. spent many hours underneath that truck playing with shifter linkage. also your shift pattern will be backwards from the shift pattern on the knob. there is no other way to install it. they built these for ferds and didn't bother to change them for chevy __________________ 04 GMC Sierra RCSS 70 CST LWB 04 HD Sportster 1200 Custom

05-14-2003, 10:35 AM	#7
sneakysnake It's a catastrophic success. Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 2,077	If you find slack in the colomn is causing it to hang up,(two arms on colunm) there are two bolts on the end right after the two shifting arm, loosen them and they spiral on the colunm which tighten the cluster of arms and bushings.

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