3 on the tree problems - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

69oldog · 01-30-2010, 05:06 PM

Hello,I have a 1969 c/10,292,3 on the tree,the problem is it won't shift from first to second while running,I tried adjusting linkages,clutch still no luck.Does anyone know if there is a rebuild kit for the steering column mechanism???I want to keep this truck as orignal as possible,so I don't want to put it on the floor.ANY suggestions?? Thanx,Todd

Sammy · 01-30-2010, 05:46 PM

Your best but most expensive choice would be to buy a new column from one of the manufactures. Get a column that is stainless so you can paint it the desired color. Next is to contact one of the folks who do the rebuilds. There are a few around, there are some on ebay. They may rebuild yours for you or use it as a trade in. Then lastly from the parts board find one used that the seller would know how well it operated prior to removal. Most everyone who do restoration would be changing from the manual anyway they might have a decent column.

rsavage · 01-30-2010, 07:00 PM

When you adjust the linkages, disconnect the linkage bars from the tranny dog ears, make sure that your dog ears on the column are centered over the nub that picks them up so to speak. Make sure the transmission dog ears are in neutral and adjust rods to meet them. When you shift an old warn column, you will find that you can develop a feel so it won't lock up on you when you shift from 1st to 2nd. Go straight up to neutral towards reverse without pressing the shifter down, then straight down in neutral and straight up to 2nd. If you don't and try and shift it from 1st to second on a straight diagonal line without 90 degree corners, the column dog ear for 2nd and 3rd won't be picked up and you will be locked in 1st. You will also need to develop a knack for quickly exiting the cab (engine off), popping the hood, and yanking the jammed linkage back to neutral position, jumping back in, refiring and going again. Over the years I had a lot of worn 3 on the trees and they all did the same thing.

PanelDeland · 01-30-2010, 09:09 PM

Search the FAQ's for a tutorial on how to adjust the 3ott.Also clean and lube the unit well caked up dried out grease in the mechanism can cause problems.

69oldog · 01-30-2010, 09:38 PM

Thanks for all the responses so far,I will try some tomorrow.

69 longhorn · 01-30-2010, 11:16 PM

3 on the floor, I know that was not what you asked......but you get to play with your bestest gals leg when you are shiftin

Crazy AL,52 yrs old , but goin on 25! One old man told me yrs back...."growing old is manditory, but growing UP is optional

69oldog · 01-31-2010, 10:12 AM

Went FAQ tutorial on how to adjust and it shifts great!!!Lubed everything up real good!!!Thanks for everbodys suggestions.

Conroe trucker · 01-31-2010, 01:58 PM

Check out some of the 55-57 parts houses for the bushings for the transmission linkage.

There were poly bushings in the shift arms on the column, and at the trans.

I put new ones in mine, and it felt like a new car, very tight.
Shift pattern as tight as a new vette.

But, if the synchros have gone out the rebuild is not that much.

Shaky · 01-31-2010, 04:08 PM

Three-on-the-tree: the best security system around! Sometimes even the owner can't drive it!

01-30-2010, 05:06 PM	#1
69oldog Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Guilford,CT Posts: 41	3 on the tree problems Hello,I have a 1969 c/10,292,3 on the tree,the problem is it won't shift from first to second while running,I tried adjusting linkages,clutch still no luck.Does anyone know if there is a rebuild kit for the steering column mechanism???I want to keep this truck as orignal as possible,so I don't want to put it on the floor.ANY suggestions?? Thanx,Todd Attached Images

01-30-2010, 05:46 PM	#2
Sammy Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Bonne Terre, Mo Posts: 3,005	Re: 3 on the tree problems Your best but most expensive choice would be to buy a new column from one of the manufactures. Get a column that is stainless so you can paint it the desired color. Next is to contact one of the folks who do the rebuilds. There are a few around, there are some on ebay. They may rebuild yours for you or use it as a trade in. Then lastly from the parts board find one used that the seller would know how well it operated prior to removal. Most everyone who do restoration would be changing from the manual anyway they might have a decent column. __________________ '69 Chevy Long Fleet & '71 GMC Short Step & Project "ODD BALL" "You can wash a pig, soak it in most expensive perfume. In the end it is still just a pig." ODD BALL build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=478629"

01-30-2010, 07:00 PM	#3
rsavage Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Alden NY Posts: 2,705	Re: 3 on the tree problems When you adjust the linkages, disconnect the linkage bars from the tranny dog ears, make sure that your dog ears on the column are centered over the nub that picks them up so to speak. Make sure the transmission dog ears are in neutral and adjust rods to meet them. When you shift an old warn column, you will find that you can develop a feel so it won't lock up on you when you shift from 1st to 2nd. Go straight up to neutral towards reverse without pressing the shifter down, then straight down in neutral and straight up to 2nd. If you don't and try and shift it from 1st to second on a straight diagonal line without 90 degree corners, the column dog ear for 2nd and 3rd won't be picked up and you will be locked in 1st. You will also need to develop a knack for quickly exiting the cab (engine off), popping the hood, and yanking the jammed linkage back to neutral position, jumping back in, refiring and going again. Over the years I had a lot of worn 3 on the trees and they all did the same thing. __________________ 1961 C1 Corvette 1959 El Camino 350 TPI, 9" 4 w disc 69 Blazer K5 - sold July '20 2021 Durango RT 5.7

01-30-2010, 09:09 PM	#4
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: 3 on the tree problems Search the FAQ's for a tutorial on how to adjust the 3ott.Also clean and lube the unit well caked up dried out grease in the mechanism can cause problems. __________________ 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"

01-30-2010, 09:38 PM	#5
69oldog Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Guilford,CT Posts: 41	Re: 3 on the tree problems Thanks for all the responses so far,I will try some tomorrow.

01-30-2010, 11:16 PM	#6
69 longhorn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: rock island,il,usa Posts: 5,382	Re: 3 on the tree problems 3 on the floor, I know that was not what you asked......but you get to play with your bestest gals leg when you are shiftin Crazy AL,52 yrs old , but goin on 25! One old man told me yrs back...."growing old is manditory, but growing UP is optional __________________ http://community.webshots.com/user/hotrodhorn

01-31-2010, 10:12 AM	#7
69oldog Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Guilford,CT Posts: 41	Re: 3 on the tree problems Went FAQ tutorial on how to adjust and it shifts great!!!Lubed everything up real good!!!Thanks for everbodys suggestions.

01-31-2010, 01:58 PM	#8
Conroe trucker SWBs: 67 2x4, 67 4x4, 70 4x4 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Conroe, TX Posts: 483	Re: 3 on the tree problems Check out some of the 55-57 parts houses for the bushings for the transmission linkage. There were poly bushings in the shift arms on the column, and at the trans. I put new ones in mine, and it felt like a new car, very tight. Shift pattern as tight as a new vette. But, if the synchros have gone out the rebuild is not that much. __________________ FINISHED Project thread: 67 SWB 4x4 FINISHED Project thread: 67 SWB 6 cyl cruiser Project thread: Road Toad 70 SWB Step, 4x4, 292, 3OT 01 C5 convertable 08 Z06 Last edited by Conroe trucker; 01-31-2010 at 01:58 PM. Reason: wording

01-31-2010, 04:08 PM	#9
Shaky Six in a row makes it go... Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Vacationland: Maine Posts: 1,346	Re: 3 on the tree problems Three-on-the-tree: the best security system around! Sometimes even the owner can't drive it! __________________ 67 C20 long step resto: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=342086 66 C10 long step build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post3814790 CT to Alaska in a 67 C10: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=399224 “The height of sophistication is simplicity." - Clare Boothe Luce



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