3 speed transmission issues

[Swatson]

I can shift between 1,2, and 3 but the shifter wont go into reverse. I can get under the truck and physically put it in reverse and then it will work, but then it won't let me shift out of reverse to anything else until I climb under it and move it out again. I had a guy doing some work under the truck, and before It all worked fine. I'm not sure if the linkage parts are hooked up correctly. Anyone have any advice? The linkages are on the side of the transmission.

[T2vigil]

Not sure if this will help but.. Look at the bushings at the top and bottom of the shift rods to see that they are in good condition. Next I would look to see if the shift rod has shifted/slipped from it original location. I have had to do this exact same process.

[oem4me]

Sounds like a rod may have slipped out of adjustment and you are not getting full throw. Assuming they are the correct rods connected to the correct shift arms, make adjustments to rod length up where the rods connect to the column.

[Swatson]

Do I just play with them a bit, or is there certain position they have to be moved to?

[T2vigil]

The way I do it is put the transmission in neutral. Since you have no trouble with 2/3 make sure to align the shift arm on the column for 1/R with the 2/3. That should get close.

[oem4me]

As per the General:

[Killer Bee]

had a three on the tree in a '68 C20 daily driver back in the early 90's..

two things I remember distinctively;

popped out of third under load or freeway speeds so I hooked a bungee cord under the edge of the seat over the shifter when my arm got tired

and every once in a while the shift linkage would get crossed up on the column at the firewall and I would have to go underhood and un-foul it..

follow the manual and verify all your linkage alignments and you'll nail it down..

good luck!

[BeardedCowboy87]

I have a problem every now and then with mine hanging up in first gear. Mine was originally 3 on the tree but was moved to the floor. Sometimes if I shift too fast out of 1st gear it’ll catch and it won’t go out of 1st. I have to get out and physically move the “rod” to put it into neutral. Then it shifts fine until I forget and shift too fast out of first. I’m not sure if the conversion for the 3 on the tree to the floor is the right one. Is there a company that makes an actual conversion kit for the tree to the floor conversion? I think when mine was moved to the floor was back in the early 90’s.
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[Swatson]

I got my issue solved temporarily. The two little rod that catches the plates from the shifter handle, was getting snagged and catching and putting it in 2nd gear before falling into the reverse position. Took a piece of L shaped aluminum and rigged it up to pull the 1rst and reverse plate and rod away from 2nd and 3rd. Possibly planning on putting an auto in later this year, so I'll leave it as is for now. Thanks for the help!