could ever feel like a hot rod.
Three on the Tree or Floor shift?
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Three on the Tree or Floor shift?
I'm retromoding my 1965 F100 and was wondering what the consensus was on the forum with regard to three on the tree or floor shift. Shifting on the column isn't bad but I wonder whether a floor shift would be better or worse. Any recommendations from those who have tried both on these trucks?
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2015
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From: Just north of DC
I always thought column shifters were better because it allows your hands to be closer to the wheel and such have better control.
I'm also thinking that many young people have never driven a column shifter so that might add a little uniqueness.
As a side note, about 6 months back I noticed a DC drivers licence that restricted the operator to only vehicles with automatic transmissions!
Ulfie
I'm also thinking that many young people have never driven a column shifter so that might add a little uniqueness.
As a side note, about 6 months back I noticed a DC drivers licence that restricted the operator to only vehicles with automatic transmissions!
Ulfie
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Joined: Jul 2015
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From: Just north of DC
After posting the last reply I began to think what a pain my floor shift lever is when my boys ride with me! The middle passenger is always having to move his knees to avoid getting slapped when I change gears.
The thought of an unrestricted bench seat reminds me of my old 79 f150 4x2 with an automatic transmission.
My wife (girl friend at the time), would enter and exit through my door as I held it open for her.
The thought of an unrestricted bench seat reminds me of my old 79 f150 4x2 with an automatic transmission.
My wife (girl friend at the time), would enter and exit through my door as I held it open for her.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Boulder Creek, Ca
With two 65's, I have both, prefer the floor shift; having said that, unless the truck came with the 4 speed trans., I personally would not modify the 3 speed column for an aftermarket floor shift kit. The truck has retractable belts for the passenger and driver but does not have belts for a third person. For me, it comes down to belts vs shoulder harness when traveling with young kids; make exceptions if it involves local shopping or special events.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,064
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From: tucson
I also have trucks with both and really like the column shift and the clean floor area. That being said, four on the floor makes the truck feel more like a hot rod. If a '64 F250 with a stock 390 could ever feel like a hot rod lol.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Boulder Creek, Ca
My experience with the 390 is not as much with mph but rather mpg?
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Simi Valley, CA
352 2V available 1965/67 F100/350, 360/390 introduced in 1968 F100/350.
The 4 speeds used in these trucks have a granny 1st gear, so most people start out in 2nd.
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Fleet Mechanic
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From: Great White North
I believe the word "stock" refers to the 390 not being built up for speed. He did not mention it was "original" to the truck.
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The more I drive my 3 on the tree, the more I like having the shift close to the steering wheel. The only reason I was thinking of moving it to the floor is because I assume a new steering column made for a floor shift would be shorter. The steering wheel is currently in my face when driving and feels very awkward. I was planning on replacing the column with a flaming river tilt floor shift column and smaller steering wheel - maybe 15 inches for a more comfortable position. I drove my truck yesterday with the column shifter and now I'm thinking of getting a column shifter steering column. Any preferences for floor vs column shift?
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The more I drive my 3 on the tree, the more I like having the shift close to the steering wheel. The only reason I was thinking of moving it to the floor is because I assume a new steering column made for a floor shift would be shorter. The steering wheel is currently in my face when driving and feels very awkward. I was planning on replacing the column with a flaming river tilt floor shift column and smaller steering wheel - maybe 15 inches for a more comfortable position. I drove my truck yesterday with the column shifter and now I'm thinking of getting a column shifter steering column. Any preferences for floor vs column shift?
How tall are you? Just curious... I'm 5'5" and I don't really feel like the steering wheel is really in my face..
I don't really have a preference but, my truck has the column shift and I like have the extra room for whoever is in the middle seat. You can also shift with your left hand so you don't have to remove your right arm from around that passenger/girlfriend (if you know what I mean). The main thing I don't like about the 3 on the tree is the fact that it is difficult to shift quickly at times.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2015
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From: tucson
Both ND and Rangermercman are correct on my '64. The engine seems to be a stock set up with the heads and block dating to '67. I knew it wasn't original to the truck because ND decoded the door plate for me when I got it.
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How tall are you? Just curious... I'm 5'5" and I don't really feel like the steering wheel is really in my face..
I don't really have a preference but, my truck has the column shift and I like have the extra room for whoever is in the middle seat. You can also shift with your left hand so you don't have to remove your right arm from around that passenger/girlfriend (if you know what I mean). The main thing I don't like about the 3 on the tree is the fact that it is difficult to shift quickly at times.
I don't really have a preference but, my truck has the column shift and I like have the extra room for whoever is in the middle seat. You can also shift with your left hand so you don't have to remove your right arm from around that passenger/girlfriend (if you know what I mean). The main thing I don't like about the 3 on the tree is the fact that it is difficult to shift quickly at times.
