3 on tree stuck in gear - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

72rustbucket · 12-31-2006, 05:51 PM

It had happened to me the other day but was able to get loose again. but last night as i pull up in the drive way and go to put it in neutral it would not come out of gear. I went out and tried to mess w/it but would not come out of gear. I checked to see if something was stuck or in the way.Any ideas on what to check or inspect to see what is not letting me shift out of gear.

**Shock_Me** · 12-31-2006, 05:56 PM

With the engine off, have someone get inside the cab and push in the clutch. Then you open the hood and look at the shifter linkage on the top of the steering column. Not sure what they're called but you have to re-align the two "gate" things on the column with your hand. These things wear out after many years of shifting.
Hope this helps you out.

Pete

pritch · 12-31-2006, 06:02 PM

I always keep a pry bar handy for just this reason. Most times I can get mine un-stuck from under the hood but sometimes I have to get underneath and pry on the linkages right on the tranny. I can't wait for the day when I have an automatic tranmission.

lilpup69chevy · 12-31-2006, 06:03 PM

you should be able to take a hammer or something and tap on the ends of the linkage and unhang it, i actually had to knock the crap out of mine with a hammer to unhang it if all else fails just take the linkage off at the transmission and find neutral then reinstall the linkage ends on the trans, under the hood off of the column you will notice one linkage should move and the other one will lock get the two where they are side by side and knock the fire out of them with a hammer thats what i had to do or i guess you can hit either or but it shouldn't be too hard to find which one is hung, mine has only hung up once where i had to get out and pop the hood, might wanna lubricate all the linkages and ends for the time being, there is the alternative to putting it in the floor but i'd just assume shift mine from the column someone said there is a board vendor who offers the stuff to rebuild the column shift linkages etc. hope this helps a little

Rollie396 · 12-31-2006, 06:09 PM

This prolly won't apply here,but I've seen that happen when a broken motor mount was the culprit.

PanelDeland · 12-31-2006, 07:09 PM

Once you get the hood open you should be able to see into the column.There will be a couple of slots that a tab centers between when the shifter and tranny are in nuetral.When the lever on the column is lifted the tab fits into one"slot".Up is for reverse and down is first.The other "slot" is up for second down for third.Clean the slots and tab and also the column inside.Lube them well I like a quality grease or evn a little motor oil.The oil will attract dirt and needs to be cleaned and regreased ocassionally,same with grease.I cleaned with WD-40 first but after discovering what was going on I used degreaser and the quarter car wash to clean it well.Then regreased.It would still hang some so I inspected it and found the bushings in the shift arms were worn out.After replacing them it has worked well for about 4-5 years.IIRC there are also bushings in the levers on the column.Good luck!!

DennyB · 12-31-2006, 07:35 PM

Here is another option..
I had a 71 with a sloppy column. Some times it would jamb/stick when shifting from 1 to 2.
I'd set the parking brake, slide under the truck and move one of the levers on the trans. just a little twist is all it took. Then be real easy on the shifting.

Denny

pritch · 12-31-2006, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rollie396

This prolly won't apply here,but I've seen that happen when a broken motor mount was the culprit.

You know, that makes sense to me-my drivers side mount ain't bolted together, The bolt fell out and I never got around to putting it back in. But that's about when mine started jamming alot more.

BCOWANWHEELS · 12-31-2006, 08:25 PM

i promiss all the bushings in your linkage are gone or shot. replace them and it will shift. gm still sells them.
bob in tn

Green Machine · 12-31-2006, 10:23 PM

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

dogdaddydbtg · 01-01-2007, 12:13 PM

I had this problem on my 74 and it got progressively worse. Something else to check is where the shift arms bolt on to the side of the transmission. The bolt had backed out of one on my 74 and that was making the problem with the slop in the bushings even worse. My truck only has about 80 thousand on it and it got to the point that I had to drive it about 2 miles hung it third. Tightened up the shift arm and it hasn't happened since.

lilpup69chevy · 01-01-2007, 12:19 PM

3 on the tree is what i started out driving after driving one for years you kinda get the knack for shifting them the worst one i had was an 81 chevy and it would hang up quite frequently when i drove it but i never seen my dad ever get it hung up the linkage and bushings were just shot in it i eventually got tired of having to climb underneath the truck to unhang it and converted it to a floor shift and it did perfect after that shifted just as smooth as a toploader trans

72rustbucket · 01-01-2007, 01:50 PM

Well I wanted to drive the the truck to a new years party and tried to wiggle the shifter like i had done before. And know the shifter fell down. It hits my knee if i am sitting in the truck

. I will try this hope it works
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=215307. Sorry but a little new to this can someone shoot pics of the bushings of linkage. Is this right by the firewall area??

72rustbucket · 01-01-2007, 03:33 PM

Thanks guys for the ideas. I went and banged the arm by fire wall down and it came out. Looking to replace bushings now.

12-31-2006, 05:51 PM	#1
72rustbucket Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: san antonio texas Posts: 29	3 on tree stuck in gear It had happened to me the other day but was able to get loose again. but last night as i pull up in the drive way and go to put it in neutral it would not come out of gear. I went out and tried to mess w/it but would not come out of gear. I checked to see if something was stuck or in the way.Any ideas on what to check or inspect to see what is not letting me shift out of gear.

12-31-2006, 05:56 PM	#2
Shock_Me Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: New Brunswick, Canada Posts: 591	Re: 3 on tree stuck in gear With the engine off, have someone get inside the cab and push in the clutch. Then you open the hood and look at the shifter linkage on the top of the steering column. Not sure what they're called but you have to re-align the two "gate" things on the column with your hand. These things wear out after many years of shifting. Hope this helps you out. Pete

12-31-2006, 06:02 PM	#3
pritch Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Hoytsville, Utah Posts: 3,365	Re: 3 on tree stuck in gear I always keep a pry bar handy for just this reason. Most times I can get mine un-stuck from under the hood but sometimes I have to get underneath and pry on the linkages right on the tranny. I can't wait for the day when I have an automatic tranmission. __________________ '68 Panel Project Boogie Chillin' '68 C-10 Ol' Green

12-31-2006, 06:03 PM	#4
lilpup69chevy 67-72 parts finder Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: southeast mo Posts: 788	Re: 3 on tree stuck in gear you should be able to take a hammer or something and tap on the ends of the linkage and unhang it, i actually had to knock the crap out of mine with a hammer to unhang it if all else fails just take the linkage off at the transmission and find neutral then reinstall the linkage ends on the trans, under the hood off of the column you will notice one linkage should move and the other one will lock get the two where they are side by side and knock the fire out of them with a hammer thats what i had to do or i guess you can hit either or but it shouldn't be too hard to find which one is hung, mine has only hung up once where i had to get out and pop the hood, might wanna lubricate all the linkages and ends for the time being, there is the alternative to putting it in the floor but i'd just assume shift mine from the column someone said there is a board vendor who offers the stuff to rebuild the column shift linkages etc. hope this helps a little __________________ 1969 chevy shortstep 2wd (under construction) 1981 chevy scottsdale lwb 2wd (parts chaser) 2004 pontiac gto (daily driver) 2004 pontiac grand prix gt (the ol ladys car) 1985 chevy short wide 1970 chevy c10 lwb (another parts rig) 1969 gmc lwb (rainy day project) 1968 chevy lwb c10 250 I6 3 spd (soon to be swb)

12-31-2006, 06:09 PM	#5
Rollie396 someday it will be done! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Lloydminster,AB. Canada Posts: 1,620	Re: 3 on tree stuck in gear This prolly won't apply here,but I've seen that happen when a broken motor mount was the culprit. __________________ '72 C-10 Proud owner of a million new and used pieces that used to be and will once again be(god willing) a testament to the term "they don't build em like that anymore. '80 LWB 2wd beater '67 GMC long fleet (cab donor) '66 long step (parked till it's turn comes around) '65 short step (parts truck that will donate it's bed and possibly frame to the '66) '06 Grand Prix wife's car (she hardly lets me touch it) my pics

12-31-2006, 07:09 PM	#6
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,992	Re: 3 on tree stuck in gear Once you get the hood open you should be able to see into the column.There will be a couple of slots that a tab centers between when the shifter and tranny are in nuetral.When the lever on the column is lifted the tab fits into one"slot".Up is for reverse and down is first.The other "slot" is up for second down for third.Clean the slots and tab and also the column inside.Lube them well I like a quality grease or evn a little motor oil.The oil will attract dirt and needs to be cleaned and regreased ocassionally,same with grease.I cleaned with WD-40 first but after discovering what was going on I used degreaser and the quarter car wash to clean it well.Then regreased.It would still hang some so I inspected it and found the bushings in the shift arms were worn out.After replacing them it has worked well for about 4-5 years.IIRC there are also bushings in the levers on the column.Good luck!! __________________ 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"

12-31-2006, 07:35 PM	#7
DennyB Led Sled! Discs R 4 ME! Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Toms River, NJ, USA (Transplanted Hoosier) Posts: 7,327	Re: 3 on tree stuck in gear Here is another option.. I had a 71 with a sloppy column. Some times it would jamb/stick when shifting from 1 to 2. I'd set the parking brake, slide under the truck and move one of the levers on the trans. just a little twist is all it took. Then be real easy on the shifting. Denny __________________ "Never ride faster than your Angel can fly" I.M.O.M,W,J&C Patriot Guard Rider

12-31-2006, 08:25 PM	#9
BCOWANWHEELS Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: KINGSPORT,TN. Posts: 3,035	Re: 3 on tree stuck in gear i promiss all the bushings in your linkage are gone or shot. replace them and it will shift. gm still sells them. bob in tn

12-31-2006, 10:23 PM	#10
Green Machine Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Estherville, Iowa Posts: 3,371	Re: 3 on tree stuck in gear Check this FAQ - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=215307 __________________ 1968 C10 307 3spd Long Fleet ------ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=201103 1970 C10 305 Super T10 Long Fleet --- http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=202285 1971 C20 383 TH350 Dana Posi ----- http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=206894 2001 GMC Sierra 1500 C3 6.0

01-01-2007, 12:13 PM	#11
dogdaddydbtg Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 30	Re: 3 on tree stuck in gear I had this problem on my 74 and it got progressively worse. Something else to check is where the shift arms bolt on to the side of the transmission. The bolt had backed out of one on my 74 and that was making the problem with the slop in the bushings even worse. My truck only has about 80 thousand on it and it got to the point that I had to drive it about 2 miles hung it third. Tightened up the shift arm and it hasn't happened since.

01-01-2007, 12:19 PM	#12
lilpup69chevy 67-72 parts finder Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: southeast mo Posts: 788	Re: 3 on tree stuck in gear 3 on the tree is what i started out driving after driving one for years you kinda get the knack for shifting them the worst one i had was an 81 chevy and it would hang up quite frequently when i drove it but i never seen my dad ever get it hung up the linkage and bushings were just shot in it i eventually got tired of having to climb underneath the truck to unhang it and converted it to a floor shift and it did perfect after that shifted just as smooth as a toploader trans __________________ 1969 chevy shortstep 2wd (under construction) 1981 chevy scottsdale lwb 2wd (parts chaser) 2004 pontiac gto (daily driver) 2004 pontiac grand prix gt (the ol ladys car) 1985 chevy short wide 1970 chevy c10 lwb (another parts rig) 1969 gmc lwb (rainy day project) 1968 chevy lwb c10 250 I6 3 spd (soon to be swb)

01-01-2007, 01:50 PM	#13
72rustbucket Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: san antonio texas Posts: 29	Re: 3 on tree stuck in gear Well I wanted to drive the the truck to a new years party and tried to wiggle the shifter like i had done before. And know the shifter fell down. It hits my knee if i am sitting in the truck . I will try this hope it works http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=215307. Sorry but a little new to this can someone shoot pics of the bushings of linkage. Is this right by the firewall area?? Last edited by 72rustbucket; 01-01-2007 at 01:51 PM.

01-01-2007, 03:33 PM	#14
72rustbucket Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: san antonio texas Posts: 29	Re: 3 on tree stuck in gear Thanks guys for the ideas. I went and banged the arm by fire wall down and it came out. Looking to replace bushings now.



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