3 speed manual column shifter is sticky - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

northerngmc · 10-20-2009, 10:07 PM

I am looking for a little help with my 3 speed manual column shift, aka 3 on the tree!

It is sticky to pull back to get to first and reverse. It is better in warm weather and if I spray penetrating oil on it, it does improve slightly.

I am thinking there is years of dirt and grim in the column itself and I am wondering about taking the column out and what it would take to take it apart and clean. Anybody with experience on this? I have swapped the column out before and I am mainly looking for advice on what might need to be cleaned and lubed to make it slide better.

I have adjusted the shifting mechanism on the end of the column as per the instructions in the FAQ section and that improved the situation.

pissonNOS · 10-20-2009, 10:11 PM

in all honesty the best solution to this is a floor shifter conversion

northerngmc · 10-20-2009, 10:36 PM

Maybe, but I like the column shifter and want to keep it that way.

dznucks · 10-21-2009, 07:48 AM

i have asked similar questions before and i could find any info either. i have a bunch of crap rattling around in mine that i would like to get out. so i am interested in where to find rebuilt parts and schematics.

hotrod 80 · 10-21-2009, 09:05 AM

There is a set nut and a cam at the bottom of the column in the engine compartment that can help adjust things and preloads the in column linkage . Linkage bushings are important also . I got mine working correctly just in time to remove it .

68gmsee · 10-21-2009, 09:37 AM

Had the same problem with my 69 when I first bought it. Hard to pull into reverse and first. I checked everything first, including disconnecting the trans linkage to make sure it wasn't something in the trans. You're right when you say it's 40 plus years of caked up grease. That's what was wrong with mine.

Bottom line, I had to remove and dismantle the steering column. If you're mechanically inclined it's not that difficult but will require time and effort. Some good picture references would help.

The other thing some guys have done is to pour WD40 or other solvent in the column and work it up and down (I recommend removal firts). I tried that on mine, but the grime was too thick and cake up. I also replaced the rubber bushings for the top and bottom linkages. Sure made a difference in shifting after I was done.

68gmsee · 10-21-2009, 09:49 AM

Had the same problem with my 69 when I first bought it. Hard to pull into reverse and first. I checked everything first, including disconnecting the trans linkage to make sure it wasn't something in the trans. You're right when you say it's 40 plus years of caked up grease. That's what was wrong with mine.

Bottom line, I had to remove and dismantle the steering column. If you're mechanically inclined it's not that difficult but will require time and effort. Some good picture references would help.

The other thing some guys have done is to pour WD40 or other solvent in the column and work it up and down (I recommend removal firts). I tried that on mine, but the grime was too thick and cake up. I also replaced the rubber bushings for the top and bottom linkages. Sure made a difference in shifting after I was done.

Here's some info: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=348390

UltraBlue71 · 10-21-2009, 11:36 AM

I wonder if oven cleaner wouldnt eat that grease out while its installed, spray it down the column, let it sit a while rinse it out or use pressurized air, (wear goggles) wipe it off anything you dont want stripped, its hard on paint! Just an idea to try if you dont want to pull the column out. I know oven cleaner dissolves old grease really well, so does diesel fuel. Just my .2cents

LkyDevilz72 · 10-21-2009, 01:01 PM

I just pull the steering wheel and do a quick once over, regrease everything and check the turn signal cam and bearings and stuff, then on the bottom end just clean the hell out of it, like at a car wash with a pressure washer, then wd-40 the hell out of it. Make sure to pull and clean the pin that actually holds the shifter arm to the column, gunk gets built up in there too.

cdowns · 10-21-2009, 01:50 PM

after 40years a good cleaning and lubrication does amazin things to moving parts

1968CHEVYC10 · 10-21-2009, 06:12 PM

I've been having similar problems on mine, it seems like the piece that moves the 2 shift levers on the column in the engine compartment is worn, so that it wont catch the levers.

northerngmc · 10-21-2009, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1968CHEVYC10

I've been having similar problems on mine, it seems like the piece that moves the 2 shift levers on the column in the engine compartment is worn, so that it wont catch the levers.

Have you tried adjusting it? http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=215307

10-20-2009, 10:07 PM	#1
northerngmc Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Whitehorse YK Canada Posts: 2,651	3 speed manual column shifter is sticky I am looking for a little help with my 3 speed manual column shift, aka 3 on the tree! It is sticky to pull back to get to first and reverse. It is better in warm weather and if I spray penetrating oil on it, it does improve slightly. I am thinking there is years of dirt and grim in the column itself and I am wondering about taking the column out and what it would take to take it apart and clean. Anybody with experience on this? I have swapped the column out before and I am mainly looking for advice on what might need to be cleaned and lubed to make it slide better. I have adjusted the shifting mechanism on the end of the column as per the instructions in the FAQ section and that improved the situation. __________________ Blaine 59 GMC 9314 a.k.a. Whoopee 68 C20 50th Anniversary a.k.a. The Rat http://www.flickr.com/photos/northerngmc/ http://www.members.tripod.com/P-wee/index_032.htm 1.61803 is one H of a lot better than 3.14159, no really it is!

10-20-2009, 10:11 PM	#2
pissonNOS senior member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: fort macleod alberta Posts: 2,770	Re: 3 speed manual column shifter is sticky in all honesty the best solution to this is a floor shifter conversion __________________ 69 GMC bagged

10-20-2009, 10:36 PM	#3
northerngmc Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Whitehorse YK Canada Posts: 2,651	Re: 3 speed manual column shifter is sticky Maybe, but I like the column shifter and want to keep it that way. __________________ Blaine 59 GMC 9314 a.k.a. Whoopee 68 C20 50th Anniversary a.k.a. The Rat http://www.flickr.com/photos/northerngmc/ http://www.members.tripod.com/P-wee/index_032.htm 1.61803 is one H of a lot better than 3.14159, no really it is!

10-21-2009, 07:48 AM	#4
dznucks Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Smyrna, Ga Posts: 1,647	Re: 3 speed manual column shifter is sticky i have asked similar questions before and i could find any info either. i have a bunch of crap rattling around in mine that i would like to get out. so i am interested in where to find rebuilt parts and schematics.

10-21-2009, 09:05 AM	#5
hotrod 80 mini truck racer Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Baytown , texas Posts: 3,010	Re: 3 speed manual column shifter is sticky There is a set nut and a cam at the bottom of the column in the engine compartment that can help adjust things and preloads the in column linkage . Linkage bushings are important also . I got mine working correctly just in time to remove it . __________________ 1949 5-window 1969 Camaro 1976 Chevy Luv yellow 1978 Chevy Luv Blue 1976 Chevy Luv Black 1979 Firebird Flooded in Harvey 1999 F350 Dually 2005 GMC Sierra 4.8 RCSB 2014 Explorer (wifes) My build :http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=399148 Build #2: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=653583

10-21-2009, 09:37 AM	#6
68gmsee Active Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Centrally located between Houston, Austin and Waco. BCS area. Posts: 7,947	Re: 3 speed manual column shifter is sticky Had the same problem with my 69 when I first bought it. Hard to pull into reverse and first. I checked everything first, including disconnecting the trans linkage to make sure it wasn't something in the trans. You're right when you say it's 40 plus years of caked up grease. That's what was wrong with mine. Bottom line, I had to remove and dismantle the steering column. If you're mechanically inclined it's not that difficult but will require time and effort. Some good picture references would help. The other thing some guys have done is to pour WD40 or other solvent in the column and work it up and down (I recommend removal firts). I tried that on mine, but the grime was too thick and cake up. I also replaced the rubber bushings for the top and bottom linkages. Sure made a difference in shifting after I was done.

10-21-2009, 09:49 AM	#7
68gmsee Active Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Centrally located between Houston, Austin and Waco. BCS area. Posts: 7,947	Re: 3 speed manual column shifter is sticky Had the same problem with my 69 when I first bought it. Hard to pull into reverse and first. I checked everything first, including disconnecting the trans linkage to make sure it wasn't something in the trans. You're right when you say it's 40 plus years of caked up grease. That's what was wrong with mine. Bottom line, I had to remove and dismantle the steering column. If you're mechanically inclined it's not that difficult but will require time and effort. Some good picture references would help. The other thing some guys have done is to pour WD40 or other solvent in the column and work it up and down (I recommend removal firts). I tried that on mine, but the grime was too thick and cake up. I also replaced the rubber bushings for the top and bottom linkages. Sure made a difference in shifting after I was done. Here's some info: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=348390

10-21-2009, 11:36 AM	#8
UltraBlue71 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: OKC OK Posts: 489	Re: 3 speed manual column shifter is sticky I wonder if oven cleaner wouldnt eat that grease out while its installed, spray it down the column, let it sit a while rinse it out or use pressurized air, (wear goggles) wipe it off anything you dont want stripped, its hard on paint! Just an idea to try if you dont want to pull the column out. I know oven cleaner dissolves old grease really well, so does diesel fuel. Just my .2cents __________________ "You can put lipstick on a pig, sure it's pretty pig, but it's still just a PIG... 71 LWB Last edited by UltraBlue71; 10-21-2009 at 11:38 AM.

10-21-2009, 01:01 PM	#9
LkyDevilz72 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Oklahoma City, Ok Posts: 25	Re: 3 speed manual column shifter is sticky I just pull the steering wheel and do a quick once over, regrease everything and check the turn signal cam and bearings and stuff, then on the bottom end just clean the hell out of it, like at a car wash with a pressure washer, then wd-40 the hell out of it. Make sure to pull and clean the pin that actually holds the shifter arm to the column, gunk gets built up in there too. __________________ 1972 Chevy C-10 Lowboy 1972 Chevy K5 Blazer Hi-boy 1948 Plymouth Club Coupe

10-21-2009, 01:50 PM	#10
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: 3 speed manual column shifter is sticky after 40years a good cleaning and lubrication does amazin things to moving parts __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

10-21-2009, 06:12 PM	#11
1968CHEVYC10 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Tomball, TX Posts: 578	Re: 3 speed manual column shifter is sticky I've been having similar problems on mine, it seems like the piece that moves the 2 shift levers on the column in the engine compartment is worn, so that it wont catch the levers. __________________ '68 C10 LWB 6.2NA/NP833 3.73's



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