3 Speed Jumping Outta Second Gear?

[SayBye]

Just got my truck out and "drove" it for the first time since buying it and its popping out of second gear. Goes into second fine, no grinds or anything. I can hold the shifter in place with my hand and it will stay in second. Where should I start?

I really don't know much about how the three on the tree works, can somebody link me to a page that has a column tear down or rebuild? I searched but didn't come up with much.

Hoping this is something in the linkage or something simple and wont have to get into the transmission. Its interesting that its just second gear since it sits in the highest position and gravity is working against the shifter... (fingers crossed)

[MikeN]

My truck did this (heavy duty Muncie 3-speed, originally from a late-60's Chevelle or similar) and unfortunately 2nd gear had to be replaced. Expensive repair.

[SayBye]

Originally Posted by MikeN

My truck did this (heavy duty Muncie 3-speed, originally from a late-60's Chevelle or similar) and unfortunately 2nd gear had to be replaced. Expensive repair.

That doesn't sound promising anyone else?

Still looking for a write up on taking the column apart and getting into the shifter itself if anyone can give me a hand, haven't came up with a dedicated write up yet...

[oem4me]

Tranny issue.

[Mackie]

A popping out of gear issue I had at one time (OT vehicle) turned out to be a worn selector fork. It wouldn't engage the gear quite enough. Mine was a top mounted stick, so minimal linkage. Your 3 spd might have a linkage problem causing this as well. I always start with the non-invasive stuff and go deeper as needed. The selectors can be looked into without the pulling the trans.

[SayBye]

Originally Posted by Mackie

A popping out of gear issue I had at one time (OT vehicle) turned out to be a worn selector fork. It wouldn't engage the gear quite enough. Mine was a top mounted stick, so minimal linkage. Your 3 spd might have a linkage problem causing this as well. I always start with the non-invasive stuff and go deeper as needed. The selectors can be looked into without the pulling the trans.

That's kinda where I was hoping to start. Truth be cold the entire column prolly needs to be cleaned, with that I thought I would check out the linkage. Ive read where slop or worn linkage bushing can make them pop out of gear.

[SayBye]

Posting this for a future reference and for anyone else that stumbles across this tread.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=330513

[SayBye]

Adding this one too for future reference.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=505012

[SayBye]

Anyone see anything visibly wrong with this setup other than the lower bearing needing replaced?

[SayBye]

Another view showing the lower bearing out, the steering shaft has a ton of play in it.

[luvbowties]

Originally Posted by SayBye

Another view showing the lower bearing out, the steering shaft has a ton of play in it.

Wrong? Your 2nd/3rd gear rod looks to be adjusted about as far downward as possible. Loosen the lockdown nut & slide the 2/3 rod upwards about 3/8-inch and lock back down. That should pull your 2nd gear "further into gear", similating your holding the shifter higher while in 2nd. Adjust more (or less), as needed, as your tranny responds. I think it will solve your problem.
HTH,
Sam.

[SayBye]

Originally Posted by luvbowties

Wrong? Your 2nd/3rd gear rod looks to be adjusted about as far downward as possible. Loosen the lockdown nut & slide the 2/3 rod upwards about 3/8-inch and lock back down. That should pull your 2nd gear "further into gear", similating your holding the shifter higher while in 2nd. Adjust more (or less), as needed, as your tranny responds. I think it will solve your problem.
HTH,
Sam.

Thanks for seeing that! This is my first 3 on the column truck so I'm slowly but surely learning how everything works. Wasn't sure about any of the linkage adjustment or anything. Just knew that bearing dangling around the shaft isn't good.

I'll adjust the rod tomorrow after work and post the results...

[Mackie]

That rubber washer thing on the lower arm, which looks made by cutting a piece of hose, is suspicious.

[SayBye]

Originally Posted by Mackie

That rubber washer thing on the lower arm, which looks made by cutting a piece of hose, is suspicious.

What part or bushing should be in place of it and where can I find one? I'm guessing it's not allowing it to become snug enough, allowing the shift rod to fall lower and lower over time...

[SayBye]

It's Amazing the neglect these trucks have seen over the years...

[SayBye]

Where can I find the grommet or bushing that the red arrow is pointing to in order to replace the felt bushing that the red arrow is pointing to? Anyone have a part number handy? I'm not even sure the correct name of the bushing to be able to search for it...

[Mackie]

Helpful info here:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=358303

[63burban]

The rubber washer is probably your problem, replace it with a similar washer as the 1/r linkage. I may have an extra washer, PM me.

[SayBye]

Thanks for the info Mackie, from looking at the pic on that thread its clear that's most if not all of my issue.

Gonna dive into it when I get off work and will post my findings later this afternoon...

[cortcomp]

Those shift levers are a big deal on side loaders, easy fix to find it first, good catch by guys above! Hope no tranny issue.