Okay guys, I have seen it time and time again where folks here have problems with their 3 speed columns. I have a 78 f100 that has LOTS of slop and will soon be rebuilt..

now to the point.. is there a good write up on this?? I have looked and looked to reference it for myself and others with no good luck..

I plan on making a very detailed write up unless there is one out there already.. thanks!

 

I don't know of any write ups about the problems and fixes. My 73 came with a three on the tree and was hard to shift . First thing i did was redo the shift linkage bushings , had to retro fit some. It had a worn out shifter too so not wanting to keep the standard i never fixed it , i just replaced the engine and trany with a 302 and a c/4 . Ha ha , i never do it the easy way, have a problem , pull the problem out . __

 

First of all, I am a stick shift lover, so as far as I'm concerned, your three speed F150 is a treasure to be repaired and loved.

I am hoping that you can find the parts you need. There is a long tube that comes out the column after removing the steering wheel. I hope you can find a new one somewhere. There is also a bearing at the top that must be in good shape or the engagement of the stick and the tube will not be right. Sometimes they get to where you have to hold side pressure, usually left to right on the steering wheel to make it shift.

Before messing with the column parts though, make sure that the bushings on both ends of the shift rods are in good shape and that the shifter is adjusted properly.

I still have factory service manuals, the whole set for my '78. If I can remember when I get home, I will see if I can find the service information for you.

Hang on to that darlin.

 

Lol!! Jim, Ya cheat!! How ya been bud? Haven't spoke to ya in a while! I thought about changing this one to the floor when the original Columb broke but I couldn't make myself cut a hole in the floor the replacement has more slop than the original but I was lucky to find it and it works.. if the rebuild don't work then there will be more desperate measures but if succesful I'm going to do a write up on it..



Thanks for the reply! Well I don't have to push the steering wheel either way but if I don't nearly go back into reverse coming out if first then ease it over to second it will jam. I figure the bushings are wore out at the linkage but I plan on pulling it down to see..

I will fix this one and keep it, even if i have to get on he lathe because it is an oddity to most these days and blows their mind to see you driving one!

Thank you VERY much for helping with the manuals, ill keep my eyes here lookin out for ya..
Don't worry diagman, it ain't goin no where

 

Numbers in bold are basic Ford part numbers, correspond to parts catalog pics. Numbers in blue are the complete Ford part numbers.

Pot metal shift collar (7228) has an internal bridge that connects it to the shift tube (7212). Over time the bridge begins to crack, eventually breaks off. Shift lever flops around.

Shift tube has a sweated on piece (visible in pic) that locks the shift collar in place. It tends to fall off...down inside the column, can be spot welded back on.

Shift tube has a hole where the end of shift lever fits in, tends to wallow out. M/S different shift tube than P/S.

Bottom of the steering column under the hood are the two selector levers (7302/7303) that the shift rods (7326/7328) from the trans attach to.

In each one of these levers is a shouldered nylon bushing (7341) that snaps in. Bushings crack apart/disintegrate, shift lever binds up.

Upper & lower steering column bearings (3517) are sealed. When the grease dries out, turning the wheel causes a swishing sound to eminate from column.

Lower bearing retainer (3D681) is plastic, tends to break apart. Obsolete-not reproduced, no one has any NOS

Shift collar (D9TZ-7228-C) obsolete, but some are still available NOS, it's 1978/79 F100/250 & Econoline 3 M/T only.

Upper steering column bearing (C3DZ-3517-A) available from Ford. Lower steering column bearing (F23Z-3517-A) obsolete, 100's available NOS.

Selector lever bushings (EOSZ-7341-B) available from Ford. For shift tube part number, I need to know if M/S or P/S.

 

You're right, I went for second gear and the shifter went all the way to the door! Thanks ND, I didn't know where to start looking.. I wasn't sure but I figured there may be a part or two that could no longer be purchased but ill get it fixed up.. thanks again