3 on the tree

[bmxkingnow]

I've got the I6 250 with a 3 on the tree. It gets me where I'm going for the most part, but there are quite a few times lately where its having problems shifting. I think the problem is the linkage that comes off the column is old and sloppy. So when I come up (on the gear shift) out of first its either not grabbing first gear, or it is grabbing first gear and dropping it back in to gear when I hit neutral. Its getting very annoying because then I have to drive stuck in first gear until I find a parking lot. Then, get out pop the hood and pull first gear out by hand. it really wouldn't bother me that much if it was something that happened every once in a while, but its becoming a regular thing every time I drive. In fact, I was better off starting in 2nd gear getting it home today. 2nd and 3rd gears are fine, its only first I'm having problems with. Any ideas guys?

[72lb4x4]

My sympathies. Mt 69 had a similar problem and I replaced the bushings, but drove it for years as a manual powerglide. 2nd and 3rd, no reverse or 1st except in emergencies. It would lock coming out of 1st or reverse.

Fun part of that truck was if you pulled on the wheel, the shaft would pull out of the connector where the spring was and all fall apart. Never let the GF drive without instructions.

Was still a great truck!

Hopefully someone has an idea...

[Mkcustums]

1976 chevy short box I6 250 3 on the tree.... $350
Small block chevy swap............................. $350
3 speed to a 4 speed swap......................... $300
power breaks and power steering swap......... $200
Finally having the truck you always wanted... Priceless!


It's starting to sound even better isn't it!

Only time I had something like that happen was when I shattered the case on my 4spd, but it wasn't a "get out and fix it", it was a "go home and replace it"! I had broke the trans case almost in half.

Not saying this is the issue in any way, I can't actually lead you in a direction. I just know mine didn't have oil in it, plus the case was totally out of alignment and it was destroying itself. 1st went, then 2nd... ect.

I like excuses for upgrades, and by looking at your signature this looks like a good one! Shop around, the swap can be done for a lot less!

Like he said, I hope someone else can help you out.

[bmxkingnow]

well after doing a little more research on this site, I found the 3 on the tree adjustment page under the engine and drive train FAQ page. I haven't gotten out to the truck to try this yet, but I think it may help me out. Hopefully at least until i can find a four speed.

[Mkcustums]

I have heard about a lot of issues with the linkage and alignment on the column...

(I use to live in Arlington, not too far away!)

[mhicks]

I was Able To Buy The Bushings At My Local Chevy Dealership. Check Yours, I Bet They Have Them And It Will Fix The Problem. It Fixed Mine Back When It Was A 3 On The Tree.

[old Rusty C10]

i had the same problem with mine and it was the bushings too hey how about some pics of your truck

[mhicks]

Whos truck?

[marvxyz1]

I think you ought to lubricate the shifter device before you go to anything else. I don't know what lubricant to use, but try WD40 for a starter.

[bmxkingnow]

Thanks for your ideas guys. I do agree about the bushings, i know they are shot. but also, the gear selector in between 1/r and 2/3 is all gummed up with grease and what not, so I'm in the process of cleaning all that off and re-lubing the mechanism. hopefully I can keep driving it as it is, until I get a pay check. I start my new job monday morning, then I can get a new bushing for it.

As soon as I can get access to a digital camera I will post some picks of the truck. Its not much to look at right now, I think the only straight panel on the truck is the hood. The whole truck is painted a battle ship blue/ gray.

[mhicks]

I think they just cost 60 or 80 cents each so it was a fix that was cheap.

[bmxkingnow]

thanks for all the info and help guys. unfortionetly, i think it was in vain. by putting off getting the bushings, im pretty sure the tranny is blown. i made it about 100 feet out of the drive way and when i tried to shift out of first, second gear grabbed while it was still in first. either way, it came to a very quick halt right in the middle of the road. luckily it is a back woods side road so there wasnt much traffic. this is the 3rd time it has locked up in 2 gears, and not it makes a great cluncking sound in the tranny. it still goes into gear, but im worried i'll be stuck stranded if i drive it any more.

My question is this. i have heard and read a lot about the sm465 swap and was wanting to do that swap later down the road. from what i understand, it is a straight forward swap. same starter, fly wheel, clutch, same size ( length ), same mounts, same bell housing. if all of this is so, then i should be able to just cut a hole in the floor and do the swap. the clutch mounts up the same and everything right?

then i could get rid of the shift linkage for the 3 speed. and the column doesn't inter-fear with the neutral safety switch, so i could take the column shift off as well.

Is all of this looking right? im just thinking it cant be that easy. does the 4 speed sit taller, or will the tranny mounts be the same?

also, i have found another 3 speed still hooked up to an I6 in a 78 chev on craigslist for 75 bux. but 4 speeds go for the same price. keep in mind this is my daily driver so the swap needs to go quick.