Shifting problems 1963 Three on the Tree

[shaff64]

Would anyone have a picture of the shift linkage from the column to the trans? I have tried about everything to adjust but still can't get it to shift into 2nd gear. I put all new bushing in new engine mounts just about everything new. I can get it to shift into 1st just fine, but when I try to move it into 2nd it just won't go..... I'm not sure if I may have a problem in my column or not, but I thought I put it together right ? If anyone had a picture of how the linkage should look on the trans and the steering column I would sure appreciate it. Thanks

[dad&zach]

I am absolutely NOT an expert or even an intelligent novice, but, just this weekend I went through the same problem with our 64 three on the tree. I had an old Ford guy come help me out. Try shifting as though you are going into reverse but, at the last little bit try to slide it back into second and then try third also. If this works your problem may be worn bushing in the steering column itself. If that works for you there are two options:

Plan A is pull the column, take it apart and clean up those bushings. Don't know if you can get replacements or you have to fabricate.

Plan B is to put in a floor shifter. That is what I will be doing hopefully tomorrow afternoon. Hurst makes a 3speed truck shifter called and "Indy 3spd truck shifter" for '63 and up Ford 1/2 tons. It runs $216 through Jegs and another $15 or so for the floor boot.

I am in a time squeeze or I might have tried the column repair route. Hope I helped. Good Luck!

[shaff64]

Thanks for your help However, I pulled out the three speed floor shifter and welded up the hole when I painted the cab. I really want this three on tree to work. I will do what ever it takes to make this column work. I took everything apart in the column and it appeared to be in great shape. I still have my old one that I pulled out and that seemed to be a little more on the wore side. I just wish I could figure out what I;m doing wrong? I could have the arms on the trans wrong, or the arms on the column wrong. I would like to see pictures of one thats working so I could figure out what I'm doing wrong!

But thank you for your response! PS I would give someone my floor shifter if they want it.

[dad&zach]

Just bought one so I am $250 lighter and a day short. I work nights so I am headed to bed. I can take pics of our 64 and get them to you tomorrow evening if that works for you.

[ICEMAN6166]

linkage alignment

each of the 2 has a neutral position which it must be in for the other rod to move. if the R-1 rod is not exactly in the spot needed the 2-3 rod cannot move.

the correct alignment procedure is given in the factory manual and can be found in some of the other books as well, chiltons,etc.

[shaff64]

Thanks Iceman, I have a manual for 61- and supplement 62 & 63 however, it really dont show me the adjustments very well.
I may need to find a better manual hey?

[unibody madness]

Adjust your shifter cams straight up and down. That should be nuetral. After checking to make sure it is, line up the rods to the holes that fit with the shifter in the approx nuetral location. You may have to switch them up in case they are backwards.
John

[shaff64]

Okay, Thanks....I will check that as soon as I get home tonight and try it. I will keep you all posted in my findings.!

Thanks a bunch guys.....

[shaff64]

So, how about the arms coming off the column? is the first one the first & reverse and the second arm the second & third gear control?

[Lowell]

Can you get it in to second by moving the arm on the tranny? Ive seen bad synchronizers that keep you from shifting .

[shaff64]

Oh, Man I think I found the problem? It looks like I may have put the what I would call the keeper on the shift tube on the bottom of the tube instead of the top. I found out last night that the arm for the first gear off the column tube is not disengaging when it goes back to the neutral position. I don't know if it has any plastic spacers that go into that column on a 1963 or not. I know I got some spacers for a 1964 but it wont fit between the arms makes it too tight in there. I hope that it was just the spacer in the wrong position..... I will find out this weekend after I remove the front end again for the second time.!

Thanks guys for all your help on this. If any one knows if this 1963 shift tube had spacers originally please chime in.

[Gritsngumbo]

I will find out this weekend after I remove the front end again for the second time.!

That's called "practice"

[shaff64]

Well, now I'm wondering if that white plastic spacer that I bought from LMC takes the place of the old metal spacer that I had originally? It appears from the photos I took in the beginning that the spacer may go in between the shift arms out of the tube? Can anyone confirm this ?

[shaff64]

Looks like I found was I was looking for..... Plastic washers part# C5TZ-7D363-A from Ford ( 2) I hope this is what i needed. I will update it here after I attempt to fix this weekend.

[spstack]

on my 63 column there is only ONE spacer between the levers and its metal the shift tube on a 64 and later is different and WILL not work in a 63 also if the shift tube is too long you can space out the shift colar to get the right amout of throw that whats the fine meatl shims are for or you can use large nylon washers from ace hardware like I did .another trick is to use silicone to keep the colar bolts in place when you put is back together if you need help pm me ok

[shaff64]

Oh, man.... I wish I would have seen this earlier. I just ordered the plastic spacers from Ohio and I paid for over night shipping. You know I was wondering why there wasn't even a piece of the old plastic bushings left on the column? So your saying they were never there hey! The metal spacer looks to be in great shape but here is what I did, I ordered a used column and when it showed up I took many pictures of it before I disassembled to refinish. Well, it must be when they took it out of the truck they put the spacer on top of the two arms not in between them. so me not knowing what I'm doing..... put it together the same way when I installed it. Well, I see now from photos on this site the darn thing goes between the arms. I can't wait to switch it around this weekend and try it again.

Thanks for all the help guys, You know after I figured out what I did, it sure makes you feel pretty stupid!

[spstack]

NEVER feel stupid look at it as a time and place to learn make sure you grease everything well .On the transmission side I ditched the oem conectors and went to rod ends feels much better no slop.also make sure on the column side the two arms pass freely and the cotter pins don't grap the bushings or anything else .hope it all works out

[shaff64]

I put the spacer in the correct place last night and now it works like a dream....... Thank you everybody for all your help! I can't wait to fire it up by the end of this weekend. It's really close after a year of being disassembled I'm excited! Looks like a brand new 1963 Thanks again for all your help!

[shaff64]

I did get those spacers from ford Plastic washers part# C5TZ-7D363-A from Ford ( 2) I never opened the package. I think the fit the 65,66, steering arms if anyone is looking for these I got them. Send me a pm if your in need of them.

[bird55]

You started out as a novice. Now you're an expert! Congrats!