Trouble with the three-on-tree, now fine

[cralon]

I was having trouble with the three-on-tree transmission. When trying to shift from 1st to 2nd or 2nd to 1st, both were very difficult to engage. I tried with WD-40 spray as shown in photos. Incredibly after 2 or 3 sprays, now it shifts smoothly. If you have a stuck three-on-tree, maybe you can try this.

[TwoFiftyShifter]

Here is what I am doing to my 3 on the tree this month.

Disconnecting the shift rods and tossing them in the woods. Then removing the shift lever and jamming it into the mud. I don't especially care for a column shifter when it is functioning well and I sure as heck won't be fussing with mine anymore.

Good to see you have yours moving well!

[100%Chevy]

Mine hangs up about once a year.
I spray white lithium grease on the lower shift levers on the column ever so often.
I don't see many column shifts anymore,so mines staying there.
Mike.

[GRX]

"Proper Lubrication is Essential"

To that end, I would suggest a lubricant instead of a water displacement product of mostly fast evaporating solvents.

[WB72]

I just picked up a 3 on the TREE. The best thing about a 3 on the tree is no one wants to drive it. haha

[LongBox]

Just putting in a vote in favour of the three-on-the-tree column shifters. Very cool, and so retro, goes with our trucks.

[Jason Banks]

I pulled the shift lever and sprayed lubricant in there. Made mine work like new again.

[TwoFiftyShifter]

White lithium grease is a real ass kicker!

[1970 charlie]

I can remember a saying back in the day (three in the tree and a 5th under the seat). I have been kicking around a t5 but can't lose the three in the tree.

[100%Chevy]

I've been driving mine for at least 15 years now.
It was my work truck.Now,I'm retired.
Quick storey---

A young guy i worked with needed a ride home one day,so i said o.k.,jump in.
I always back into the parking space for a quick get a way.
So,I took off in first.
When I shifted to second,he grabbed the dash and yelled---"What are you doing?You're gonna kill us!"!
He'ed never seen a three on the tree and was really scared!Said he thought I'd put it in park.
Mike.

[Husker]

Gotta be careful whith Lithium grease where the climate is cold. Mine is hard to shift even pulling shifter forward when it is cold. Gotta clean mine out a bit love driving it though
Ron

[garyd1961]

Originally Posted by TwoFiftyShifter

Here is what I am doing to my 3 on the tree this month.

Disconnecting the shift rods and tossing them in the woods. Then removing the shift lever and jamming it into the mud. I don't especially care for a column shifter when it is functioning well and I sure as heck won't be fussing with mine anymore.

Good to see you have yours moving well!

If you haven't disconnected it yet try this. Put the truck in neutral, set the park brake, get out and use a pair vise grips or large channel lock pliers to squeeze the two levers together on the column that the rods hook to. Just squeeze them until there isn't any play between them. Someone showed me this trick years ago and it made my truck shift like new.
I grew up driving a three on the tree and can shift a worn out shifter without hanging them up but this will work. If you do ever hang them up again you may have to repeat the process as you will spread the levers apart.
You an still can remove it I just want someone to try this so others will know if it works or not.

[LongBox]

Any body remember the days when on some cars, you could remove the shift lever, and re-install it on the left hand side of the column, where the signal lever is on modern cars. When you did this, low was towards you and UP, second was away and DOWN, and high was away and UP.

This was called a "Lover's Shift", because it left your right arm free to cuddle the girl who was right next to you on the old bench seat.

Edit: We never called the gears first, second and third. It was always Low, second, and high.

[cralon]

Originally Posted by GRX

"Proper Lubrication is Essential"

To that end, I would suggest a lubricant instead of a water displacement product of mostly fast evaporating solvents.

Good point!! Never forget the basics!!

[midniteblues]

Originally Posted by LongBox

Just putting in a vote in favour of the three-on-the-tree column shifters. Very cool, and so retro, goes with our trucks.

I agree.
Tree shifting is a nostalgic part of these trucks. It would be so cool to be able to figure out how to reasonably tree shift a modern od trans like a nv3500 or even a t5.

Most people don't even think its out of the ordinary when I tell them mine is 4ott.

[Already Gone]

I bought the pictured 1969 CST off EBay in 2012. 307 with 3OTT and factory Overdrive and A/C. I thought I'll keep this one and sell pinky which I still had at that time. Drove the 3 OTT around for a few weeks and after it got hung up in 2nd gear a 1/2 dozen times I decided to sell it. I know, I know we all have the stories but I should have kept it and got the column rebuilt or did lwhat ever it took to get the 3OTT shifting as it should. Other than the shifter al it need was the box floor redone.

[ubtripn]

I loved mine, allowed for a third and close passenger Would hang up going for third once in a while like they all do. Would have to stop jump out and pull it up but other than that I loved it.

[GRX]

Have owned several 3ott vehicles over the years. Much as I like the nostalgia, greatly prefer a good floor shift. Did the conversion to my '69 long stepper and have not regretted a single shift. Especially in traffic.

[LongBox]

Originally Posted by GRX

Have owned several 3ott vehicles over the years. Much as I like the nostalgia, greatly prefer a good floor shift. Did the conversion to my '69 long stepper and have not regretted a single shift. Especially in traffic.

From "Three on the Tree", to "Three by the Knee" -- or what we called a "Poor man's 4-Speed" back in the day.