I've decided I want to get another truck to tinker with and take out when I'm on the back roads. I've always loved the bullnose style, but never owned one my self. Also, I've always wanted one that's three on the tree. I couldn't tell you how many column shifters I've pieced back together, knowing full well I was the last line of defense and I could have just picked the truck up cheap. So as I look and find few bull noses and never any three on the tree, I ask how many of you out there have one. Just kind of trying to see if they're all extinct or not.

 

If you want to find a 3 on the tree bullnose, best bet would be looking for an 80 to 83 F100 with the 3-speed column shifter.

To my knowledge, the only three speeds in F150 to F350 trucks in 80 to 86 were the automatics. I don't think any came with the 3-speed manual beside the F100 in this generation. The other manuals were 4-speeds. The last year for an F100 was also 1983.

If I could recommend a specific year, 1982. 1983 they started phasing in the 8.8'' rear, 1982 has a 9''. 1980 has a one-off electrical wiring system that isn't shared between the other 80's trucks. 80 and 81 both have the Swiss cheese frames (though they are strong, many people don't like them because of what can happen to them in crashes). 1982 gives you a 9'' rear, the same wiring as the other F-series, a non-Swiss-cheese frame, a (typically) non-computer controlled truck, and you'll still be able to find the 3-speed on the column.

Good luck.

 

I have an '80 F-100 with the three on a tree. My Dad bought it brand new. Getting ready to #$%^ can it for a t-18. (tired of taking a run at hills off roading or hauling a load)

I've seen a few listed on craigslist here in San Antonio TX. There's a fair number around but most have been swapped over to the crap-tackular floor shift setup.

I always liked the column shifter, that is until the shifter linkage started to get worn. It always was the best highway cruiser with the 2.75 rear end. They are a real curiosity piece with people always asking about it, and every where I'd go people would give me weird looks when I would shift!

 

I've got an 82 F100 3OTT.....

 

Hmmmm. I always thought the last year for the 3 on da tree was '80, but I could be wrong on that. I know this much--there aren't a whole lot of them out there.

 

my 81 f-100 started out as a 3 on the tree but has been converted to 4 on the floor

 

My 1983 handbook still shows them as an option.
But beyond 83,

 

I do appreciate the info fella's. I've run in the 1980 only electrical system before in a church truck, 1980 f350 ex uhaul 300-6. As far as the frames go, as long as its not rusted through, it obviously passed some variety of safety standard in the past. I do agree, I much prefer the 9" rear end. As far as hauling or taking off, I'm not worried about that as that's what the F350 is for. This is for going down a back road or hwy, never going more than 55 or 60, never hauling more than trash or stuff bought at the store. I will expand my carigslist search, san antonio sounds reasonable, at one point, rust free old cars were plentiful when they would no longer pass CA emissions and were easy to pick up cheap and tag elsewhere, but cash for clunkers kinda killed that.

 

Yes, the last year for a 3 on the tree was 1983.

As long as the wiring isn't molested and you don't mind the frames, anything between 80 and 83 with a 3 on the tree, go for it. The 8.8 will hold up just as well as the 9'', but I feel the 9'' is better.

Good luck.

 

The last year/model for the 3-on-the-tree was the 1986 F150. Got a buddy who's dad ordered it as an option when he bought the truck brand new in '86. I believe they were completely phased out as an option for the 1987 model year.

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-the-tree.html

Numberdummy's post, number 11:

Last year for 3 on the tree: 1986 (F150), 1987 (Econoline), 1977 (Bronco).

X

And to add to that, 83 was the last year for an F100 with a column shift three on the tree, because, well, it was the last year for an F100.

Didn't know they kept the three on the tree with the F150's to 86. Learn something new every day.

On here though, I'll note, that it's probably hard to find a 3 on the tree F150, as most were 4-speeds and automatics that I can see.

 

It's rumored that some fleet service F series trucks were built with the 3 speed well into the 87 model year. I've never seen any proof, but heard all sorts of rumors. Until proven otherwise, I'll stick with ND's statement about 86 being the last year for the F series 3 speed, since "Fleet" trucks were not typically sold to the public.

 

According to the information in the 1981 F-Series Brochure, the 3 speed manual has to be the "Standard" transmission.

The Optional Transmissions were:

1: Automatic Overdrive
2: 4 speed manual (T-18 or NP-435)
3: 4 speed manual with overdrive (Clark / Tremek)
4: Select Shift automatic (C6)

It doesn't mention the 3 speed manual as an option, so reason dictates it was standard, as the others are mentioned. This is typical with standard features and their lack of mention in brochures.

With that said, the most comon Options put on these trucks would be engine and transmission upgrades. AM Radios, The oil pressure and ammeter gauges, or full gauge clusters... etc...

How many trucks do you see with idiot lights, and without any radio at all? Those were standard as well.

 

Found one for sale in my town. It's a ways from you though.
1984 FORD F150 2WD SHORTBED

 

My 86 has a three on the tree. Its a bare bones truck. No power anything except for the brakes.