I just replaced the shift collar and some other column components in my 1970 F100 3spd manual. The first time I put the tube and collar back in, I could make the shifter go up and down and move the shifter arm closest to the firewall through both gears (I think thats 1st and reverse, but I've never driven the truck so i'm not sure), but couldn't pull the shifter towards me in neutral. I figured the shift tube hadn't gone all the way into the column. I pulled it back out about 6 inches and tried to re-align it with a helper. It felt like it went in all the way, but when I tried to shift through the gears, I could pull the shifter towards me some, but not as far as it should go, and I still couldn't get it in gear.

I tried to keep the shifter arms aligned like they were before I removed the tube, but now I know they're not right. Is there a way I can line them up to get the shift tube in right as is, or am I going to have to remove/disassemble the column?

Is there anything else it could be? It was shifting through all the gears before, it was just very loose. I don't see/feel anything binding past the shifter arms.

 

Sounds like you don't have the shift arms aligned right.

 

Aw all good learning experience's put it together take it apart may be many times unti you get it right.= Your now A~ PRO to help the next guy.
Now onto the next project.

Orich