'61 Three-on-tree shift problem

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Mar 24, 2003 | 09:05 AM

rhmitchel

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'61 Three-on-tree shift problem

Here's the situation: I have '61 F-100 Unibody with the 3 speed manual on the steering column. I am currently unable to shift into 1st and Reverse - the shift lever will not pull toward me to allow access to those gears. The transmission mechanisms at the base of the steering column seem to work fine. This weekend we took off the steering wheel to try and diagnose the linkage from the top of the column. We found that the lever mechanism seemed to function correctly, but that the sleeve controlled by the lever was being prevented from moving down the column when the lever was pulled forward. We did not proceed further because we do not yet have a <a href="http://motorhaven.autoanything.com/">shop manual</a> nor any prior experience or knowledge working with this.

So, my hope is that someone can provide a diagnosis of my particular problem or maybe an explanation or diagram of the mechanisms in play for this shift system.

Thanks!
-Ralph

Mar 24, 2003 | 10:16 AM

44dwarf

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From: Winchendon MA

'61 Three-on-tree shift problem

Ralph.
If it will not pull toward you open the hood, block the wheels!. Now take a look at the column where the shifter rods attach. You should see a small loop of <a href="http://motorhaven.autoanything.com/">sheet metal</a> and two holes in the levers. If the truck is in Neutral you should be able to slide a drill bit in the loop and right though the holes (I think its a 1/4 bit) This holes the levers at the neutral spot. You'll need to adjust the linkage length to the levers.
I'd disconnect the two linkages and slide the bit in there and see if the linkage slides in to the levers with out movement. If not turn them until they do. Remove the bit and try it.
It's possible that your <a href="http://motorhaven.autoanything.com/">cab mount</a>s settled and or the rubber bushings rotted on the linkage and messed it up.

44

Mar 24, 2003 | 10:16 AM

44dwarf

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From: Winchendon MA

'61 Three-on-tree shift problem

Mar 25, 2003 | 09:39 AM

rhmitchel

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'61 Three-on-tree shift problem

44,

Thanks for the info! I do not recollect seeing anything that I would describe as a small loop of <a href="http://motorhaven.autoanything.com/">sheet metal</a> down where the shift rods attach to the steering column, but I will take a gander tonight.

Thanks Again,
-Ralph

Apr 7, 2003 | 09:05 AM

rhmitchel

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'61 Three-on-tree shift problem

Okay, here is where I stand on this. The shift rods and linkage are all tuned correctly. I can shift into 1st-R if I hold the "column shift collar" in the right place with my left hand while pulling the shift lever with my right hand up into that track. I started in on the steering column from the top and it seems that the inner sleeve of the "column shift collar" has worn and no longer has a tight enough fit around the "shift column" that the shift lever connects to in the steering column. Does this sound like a plausible explanation? Is this a problem others have seen or is there a more likely culprit I should look for?

Thanks,
-Ralph

P.S. Currently w/o a shop manual (until later this week!!)