good and bad news - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

oldblue1968chevy · 10-20-2009, 05:22 PM

bad news

having trouble about 2 times per day with my 3 spd on the column it hangs up in 1st gear and the shifter looks to be at a 1 O clock angle..the arm in the middle of the 2 linkages that go to the tranny

Im tired of 3 spd...but its all ive got

1-fix 3 spd and cripple on (carry 9/16 wrench keep fixing it like iam)

2-floor shifter from autozone ($100)

3-th350 I have in the barn..(whats involved in putting this in my truck im INTERESTED IN THIS SWAP)

GOOD NEWS

found an old man down the road from me with at least 4 67-72's in his yard

1 67swb step sweet patina
3 others i couldnt tell what they were, he wasnt home .

nicolas72gmc · 10-20-2009, 05:50 PM

I have a floor shifter that is in my 68 that is hooked up to a 350 t.h. I don't know if you could do something to it to make it work. Might be worth a shot though. It does'nt have any brand name on it and it was in the truck when I bought it. Let me know. All I would want is you pay shipping.

69GMCLonghorn · 10-20-2009, 05:58 PM

My personal opinion is that you should just properly fix the 3 on the tree so it works and be done with it. Find a local shop that knows what they're talking about and have them work on the linkage. I've dealt with several linkage issues that I couldn't solve myself. A good mechanic that is familiar with them should be able to take care of you without costing an arm and a leg.

Keep the 3 on the tree... They'll never be made again!

cparman · 10-20-2009, 06:03 PM

Maybe, If the fella down the road has a 3 on the tree, and you went to him, and bought another column, and then found someone that could make one good column out of two. I think that would be the least expensive way to be dependable again.
If you want to go automatic, Go see the guy, and try and buy a column, all of the shift linkage, and a transmission and driveshaft.

PanelDeland · 10-20-2009, 07:59 PM

Or you could just search member "krue's" index in the FAQ's and find the post on adjusting the linkage.Also replace the bushings.

toddtheodd · 10-20-2009, 08:12 PM

Wow... you really don't want that 3 on the tree...
Why is everybody that doesn't want their 3 on the trees so far away from me?

Tx Firefighter · 10-20-2009, 08:25 PM

If you will invest 20 bucks in new bushings and linkage clips your problem will go away. No sense in spending bigger money for a floor shifter and then cutting a hole in your floorboard.

BADPURPLE70CHEVY · 10-20-2009, 08:29 PM

Easy swap i did it. Had three on tree with 6 cylinder. You need a auto column to replace your 3 on tree one and a cross member. Those are the main 2 items...........

BADPURPLE70CHEVY · 10-20-2009, 08:30 PM

good luck

BADPURPLE70CHEVY · 10-20-2009, 08:31 PM

3 on tree is a easy fix also.

oldblue1968chevy · 10-20-2009, 09:03 PM

I wanna make it go away lol!

well if the older gentleman sells me something, i'll just probably buy a 71-72 rob the rearend and cab and hopefully it'll be auto. hes got 2 67 swb's i REALLY want but dont need lol

im thinkin auto and a shift kit..how much would it cost me to rebuild a auto tranny...im unaware of the condition of the tranny ive already got

71swb4x4 · 10-20-2009, 09:30 PM

Just rebuild the three on the tree. They are uncommon AND cool.

Whenever you start changing things it will cost two to three times as much as you have planned. Bushings and clips are cheap, swaps are not.

oldblue1968chevy · 10-20-2009, 09:34 PM

Were can I get the stuff to rebuild it with? Im looking at 20$ for stuff to rebuild it with?

nicolas72gmc, is that a floorshift for an 350th or 3sp man. ?

Im 17 and really need a little truck for DD, gas is killing me.

Found a 94 s10 150k for 1500. Needs tires and has a few new parts...body fairly straight, paints a lil rough some places. Watchall think of these trucks. thanks

71swb4x4 · 10-20-2009, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldblue1968chevy

Found a 94 s10 150k for 1500. Needs tires and has a few new parts...body fairly straight, paints a lil rough some places. Watchall think of these trucks. thanks

From your posts you really remind me of a younger version of me. Hopefully you will turn out much smarter than me though!!

$1500 plus insurance, licensing and upkeep will pay for a LOT of gas. Been there, done that. Didn't save any money in the process. But I did manage to spend a lot of extra money on a second car that would have been better spent on my original one.

oldblue1968chevy · 10-20-2009, 10:08 PM

Well I drive it everyday25 miles round trip daily, im putting 40$ a week, plus my time and parts and a few choice words. Right now the 3spds ticking me off and I was looking for a cheap lil truck.

Wont know anything till i sell my ATV, (i buy fix up/sell fourwheelers in my spare time) Hopefully, old man will sell me a truck or 2 and that'll keep me busy for a few weeks 71chevy4x4, was that a good thing or bad thing lol^^^^^have you thought/doen stupid things also lol?

'72customdeluxe · 10-20-2009, 11:26 PM

Man trust me. When the truck is as slow as ours are, you'll be missing the manual. It can be BORING. Nice in traffic (tons around here) though. If you have to change anything, just get a floor shifter. That should make for a more sporty and fun experience

nicolas72gmc · 10-21-2009, 12:28 AM

OldBlue, it is hooked up to a 350 auto right now.

threeonthetree · 10-21-2009, 12:55 AM

I hate when my linkage locks up.
Where do you buy these kits?
Keep the three speed
Doesn't a auto trans require a high hump floor?

nicolas72gmc · 10-21-2009, 01:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by threeonthetree

Doesn't a auto trans require a high hump floor?

None of mine have a high hump floor. I think that has to do with the big blocks.

unclewatts · 10-21-2009, 01:14 AM

High humps are on 4WD's, big blocks and small blocks with manual floor shift.

Tx Firefighter · 10-21-2009, 06:47 AM

You can buy all of the linkage bits to fix your 3 speed from Classic Parts. Great folks to deal with.

The S10---you're spending 40 a week on gas. If it gets twice your current mileage, you're going to save 20 bucks a week on gas. Now think of the 1500 price, insurance, registration and upkeep---it's going to take a long, long time at 20 a week to offset the S10 expenses. Years...

mrein3 · 10-21-2009, 07:31 AM

My 4x4 WAS a 3-on-the-tree when I got it. Back then I was heavily in to bass fishing tournaments. That stupid shifter ALWAYS locked up at the boat ramp. Not at some wierd angle while backing down the ramp, but in the flat area moving into place in line to go in. Another favorite spot for it to jam up was getting up to speed on the freeway. I adjusted it as folks here said, rebuilt everything I could and it still hung up at the WORST times.

About 5 or 6 years ago I swapped it out for a th350. I still say of all the upgrades I've done to this old truck, putting in a automatic transmission was THE best one.

I love manual trannys but everything has a time and a place. IMHO, the time isn't at the boat ramp and the place isn't in my truck.

Keep in mind your gas mileage will go DOWN if you swap in that th350. You have the same final gear in a th350 as in a 3-on-the-tree but with the torque converter slip your mileage will suffer.

samwise68 · 10-21-2009, 09:31 AM

Adjust it, and find out what style of shifting it likes.

On mine, sometimes I just just clunk it up to second, but usually I'll slide up to reverse a little, before crossing the "H" and hitting second. Mine used to hang up at the worst times - like in front of the main building when I drive to college. I just kept experimenting, and tinkering with it.

Found out what "style" of shifting it liked, replaced the "bushings" - which I made out of an old rubber air hose, and all in all, it's pretty tight and I can slap through them pretty quick.

Just my 2 cents.

-Sam.

TCLARK · 10-21-2009, 05:06 PM

Find a fLoor shifter........3 on the tree SUCKS ! even when they work right. I switched mine to a 4 Speed after it exploded, a friend had a Saginaw that he sold cheap, but a shifter for a truck 4 speed is expensive.

oldblue1968chevy · 10-21-2009, 05:17 PM

wow tclark your close to me!

ok guys im trying to adjust it with no help ive read the thing in the faq over and over and cant get it..

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=215307

Now here is the biggest problem with these and the fix - shifter getting stuck betwen gears - at the very bottom of the column there are 2 small bolts that hold the lower bearing, and a clamp bolt, loosen but don't remove them. They are on a slanted slot/cam. Turn the sleeve counterclockwise to remove the slack between the lower shift levers, this will keep the selector between the shift levers from sliding past the levers causing it to be "stuck".

^that seems to be my problem, except i cant figure out which 2 bolts its talking about, in the cab or under the hood, i found 2 7/16 bolts loosened them and tried to spin the clamp looking thing counterclockwise and nothing

HELP please!!

10-20-2009, 05:22 PM	#1
oldblue1968chevy Grandpa in the rustmobile... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN Posts: 11,422	good and bad news bad news having trouble about 2 times per day with my 3 spd on the column it hangs up in 1st gear and the shifter looks to be at a 1 O clock angle..the arm in the middle of the 2 linkages that go to the tranny Im tired of 3 spd...but its all ive got 1-fix 3 spd and cripple on (carry 9/16 wrench keep fixing it like iam) 2-floor shifter from autozone ($100) 3-th350 I have in the barn..(whats involved in putting this in my truck im INTERESTED IN THIS SWAP) GOOD NEWS found an old man down the road from me with at least 4 67-72's in his yard 1 67swb step sweet patina 3 others i couldnt tell what they were, he wasnt home . __________________ John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

10-20-2009, 05:50 PM	#2
nicolas72gmc Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Sunny Arizona Posts: 525	Re: good and bad news I have a floor shifter that is in my 68 that is hooked up to a 350 t.h. I don't know if you could do something to it to make it work. Might be worth a shot though. It does'nt have any brand name on it and it was in the truck when I bought it. Let me know. All I would want is you pay shipping. __________________ Nick "Everyone has a plan, 'till they get punched in the mouth".........Mike Tyson 1968, GMC, SWB, Project 1972, GMC, LWB, Daily Driver, 383, headers, 2.5"/3" exhaust, 200r4, 3.5/5 ECE components. 1972, C/10, LWB, 350 vortec, th350

10-20-2009, 05:58 PM	#3
69GMCLonghorn Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Porter Ranch, CA Posts: 978	Re: good and bad news My personal opinion is that you should just properly fix the 3 on the tree so it works and be done with it. Find a local shop that knows what they're talking about and have them work on the linkage. I've dealt with several linkage issues that I couldn't solve myself. A good mechanic that is familiar with them should be able to take care of you without costing an arm and a leg. Keep the 3 on the tree... They'll never be made again!

10-20-2009, 06:03 PM	#4
cparman sharp as a marble Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: atlantic beach,florida Posts: 1,082	Re: good and bad news Maybe, If the fella down the road has a 3 on the tree, and you went to him, and bought another column, and then found someone that could make one good column out of two. I think that would be the least expensive way to be dependable again. If you want to go automatic, Go see the guy, and try and buy a column, all of the shift linkage, and a transmission and driveshaft.

10-20-2009, 07:59 PM	#5
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: good and bad news Or you could just search member "krue's" index in the FAQ's and find the post on adjusting the linkage.Also replace the bushings. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

10-20-2009, 08:12 PM	#6
toddtheodd The oddest Todd around Join Date: May 2004 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 1,418	Re: good and bad news Wow... you really don't want that 3 on the tree... Why is everybody that doesn't want their 3 on the trees so far away from me? __________________ "The greatest pleasure is to vanquish your enemies and chase them before you, to rob them of their wealth and see those dear to them bathed in tears, to ride their horses and clasp to your bosom their wives and daughters." Ghengis Khan IIOY???

10-20-2009, 08:25 PM	#7
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: good and bad news If you will invest 20 bucks in new bushings and linkage clips your problem will go away. No sense in spending bigger money for a floor shifter and then cutting a hole in your floorboard. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

10-20-2009, 08:29 PM	#8
BADPURPLE70CHEVY 406 Powered Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: waynesville,n.c. Posts: 877	Re: good and bad news Easy swap i did it. Had three on tree with 6 cylinder. You need a auto column to replace your 3 on tree one and a cross member. Those are the main 2 items........... __________________ 70 GMC 68 c10 2002 silverado 72 4x4

10-20-2009, 08:30 PM	#9
BADPURPLE70CHEVY 406 Powered Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: waynesville,n.c. Posts: 877	Re: good and bad news good luck __________________ 70 GMC 68 c10 2002 silverado 72 4x4

10-20-2009, 08:31 PM	#10
BADPURPLE70CHEVY 406 Powered Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: waynesville,n.c. Posts: 877	Re: good and bad news 3 on tree is a easy fix also. __________________ 70 GMC 68 c10 2002 silverado 72 4x4

10-20-2009, 09:03 PM	#11
oldblue1968chevy Grandpa in the rustmobile... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN Posts: 11,422	Re: good and bad news I wanna make it go away lol! well if the older gentleman sells me something, i'll just probably buy a 71-72 rob the rearend and cab and hopefully it'll be auto. hes got 2 67 swb's i REALLY want but dont need lol im thinkin auto and a shift kit..how much would it cost me to rebuild a auto tranny...im unaware of the condition of the tranny ive already got __________________ John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

10-20-2009, 09:30 PM	#12
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: good and bad news Just rebuild the three on the tree. They are uncommon AND cool. Whenever you start changing things it will cost two to three times as much as you have planned. Bushings and clips are cheap, swaps are not. __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

10-20-2009, 09:34 PM	#13
oldblue1968chevy Grandpa in the rustmobile... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN Posts: 11,422	Re: good and bad news Were can I get the stuff to rebuild it with? Im looking at 20$ for stuff to rebuild it with? nicolas72gmc, is that a floorshift for an 350th or 3sp man. ? Im 17 and really need a little truck for DD, gas is killing me. Found a 94 s10 150k for 1500. Needs tires and has a few new parts...body fairly straight, paints a lil rough some places. Watchall think of these trucks. thanks __________________ John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

10-20-2009, 10:08 PM	#15
oldblue1968chevy Grandpa in the rustmobile... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN Posts: 11,422	Re: good and bad news Well I drive it everyday25 miles round trip daily, im putting 40$ a week, plus my time and parts and a few choice words. Right now the 3spds ticking me off and I was looking for a cheap lil truck. Wont know anything till i sell my ATV, (i buy fix up/sell fourwheelers in my spare time) Hopefully, old man will sell me a truck or 2 and that'll keep me busy for a few weeks 71chevy4x4, was that a good thing or bad thing lol^^^^^have you thought/doen stupid things also lol? __________________ John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

10-20-2009, 11:26 PM	#16
'72customdeluxe Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Tejas Posts: 691	Re: good and bad news Man trust me. When the truck is as slow as ours are, you'll be missing the manual. It can be BORING. Nice in traffic (tons around here) though. If you have to change anything, just get a floor shifter. That should make for a more sporty and fun experience __________________ '72 cheyenne super step, '05 long bed gmc



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10-21-2009, 12:28 AM	#17
nicolas72gmc Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Sunny Arizona Posts: 525	Re: good and bad news OldBlue, it is hooked up to a 350 auto right now. __________________ Nick "Everyone has a plan, 'till they get punched in the mouth".........Mike Tyson 1968, GMC, SWB, Project 1972, GMC, LWB, Daily Driver, 383, headers, 2.5"/3" exhaust, 200r4, 3.5/5 ECE components. 1972, C/10, LWB, 350 vortec, th350

10-21-2009, 12:55 AM	#18
threeonthetree Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Wausau, WI Posts: 975	Re: good and bad news I hate when my linkage locks up. Where do you buy these kits? Keep the three speed Doesn't a auto trans require a high hump floor? __________________ Smoking Tires Since 1992 1969 c10 AKA SIN 1985 SSWB TRAZER (super short wheel base)

10-21-2009, 01:14 AM	#20
unclewatts 70 Chevrolet=Obsession Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: nice ca Posts: 1,067	Re: good and bad news High humps are on 4WD's, big blocks and small blocks with manual floor shift. __________________ I'm Just like my truck. Old, Ugly and Grouchy. Except my truck starts easily in the morning and doesn't smoke! IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN! -Kermit the frog 1970 Chevrolet C-10 Longbed Stepside : 350, Muncie M20, 3.08 GM corp. positraction Forest green exterior/light green interior(Where all my money goes) 1996 Toyota Corolla (Parts runner)

10-21-2009, 06:47 AM	#21
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: good and bad news You can buy all of the linkage bits to fix your 3 speed from Classic Parts. Great folks to deal with. The S10---you're spending 40 a week on gas. If it gets twice your current mileage, you're going to save 20 bucks a week on gas. Now think of the 1500 price, insurance, registration and upkeep---it's going to take a long, long time at 20 a week to offset the S10 expenses. Years... __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

10-21-2009, 07:31 AM	#22
mrein3 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Center City, MN, USA Posts: 3,253	Re: good and bad news My 4x4 WAS a 3-on-the-tree when I got it. Back then I was heavily in to bass fishing tournaments. That stupid shifter ALWAYS locked up at the boat ramp. Not at some wierd angle while backing down the ramp, but in the flat area moving into place in line to go in. Another favorite spot for it to jam up was getting up to speed on the freeway. I adjusted it as folks here said, rebuilt everything I could and it still hung up at the WORST times. About 5 or 6 years ago I swapped it out for a th350. I still say of all the upgrades I've done to this old truck, putting in a automatic transmission was THE best one. I love manual trannys but everything has a time and a place. IMHO, the time isn't at the boat ramp and the place isn't in my truck. Keep in mind your gas mileage will go DOWN if you swap in that th350. You have the same final gear in a th350 as in a 3-on-the-tree but with the torque converter slip your mileage will suffer. __________________ '70 cab, '71 chassis, 383, TH350, NP205. '71 Malibu convertible '72 Malibu hard top Center City, MN

10-21-2009, 05:06 PM	#24
TCLARK Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: COOKEVILLE,TN Posts: 147	Re: good and bad news Find a fLoor shifter........3 on the tree SUCKS ! even when they work right. I switched mine to a 4 Speed after it exploded, a friend had a Saginaw that he sold cheap, but a shifter for a truck 4 speed is expensive.

10-21-2009, 05:17 PM	#25
oldblue1968chevy Grandpa in the rustmobile... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN Posts: 11,422	Re: good and bad news wow tclark your close to me! ok guys im trying to adjust it with no help ive read the thing in the faq over and over and cant get it.. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=215307 Now here is the biggest problem with these and the fix - shifter getting stuck betwen gears - at the very bottom of the column there are 2 small bolts that hold the lower bearing, and a clamp bolt, loosen but don't remove them. They are on a slanted slot/cam. Turn the sleeve counterclockwise to remove the slack between the lower shift levers, this will keep the selector between the shift levers from sliding past the levers causing it to be "stuck". ^that seems to be my problem, except i cant figure out which 2 bolts its talking about, in the cab or under the hood, i found 2 7/16 bolts loosened them and tried to spin the clamp looking thing counterclockwise and nothing HELP please!! __________________ John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

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