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I ran across a reference in another forum about cables for handling shifting for an automatic.
I have gone (won't call upgrade) from the 3-on-the-tree to a c4 in my 71 f100 with 240/300 six.
I am using an aftermarket rod (that I have been adjusting and forming) to go from the steering column levers to the trans.
It works, but is clunky and the gears don't line up with the indicators on the column.
Is there a kit or approach where I could use a cable to go from the column levers to the trans?
I hope this makes sense.
Just looking for an approach to get a better functioning setup here. I am also going to pull that shifter rod from my parts truck and see if that provides any improvement. My negative here is that my c4 is not, apparently, from a pickup but from a montego.
Does Lokar do tranny cables? Or are they just carb cable people?
Lokar has cables for transmissions, but specifically state no Ford transmissions.
Wish I had never done the transmission swap out. What a pain going back to the 3-on-the-tree. Won't be doing it, but the thought has crossed my mind like a thousand times.
I have a cable kit from IDIDIT on my '68 Torino that is a column select C4. I added longtube headers that didn't clear the factory mechanical linkage. Essentially the kit is a cable that attaches to the original 'ear' on the automatic column that rotates when you move the shifter on the column. The cable attaches to this 'ear' and is then anchored so that rotating this 'ear' pushes and pulls the cable which is attached to the transmission gear selector on the case.
If you had a steering column for manual shifting, I'm not sure how this work work. as the cable requires rotational motion to push and pull it and I'm not familiar with the operation of the manual column shifter mechanism.
I have attached some pictures so that you can get an idea of how it works. Hopefully this was helpful.
My column is for automatic transmissions.
Now we might be cooking. Iddit C4 2 inch column
Just guessing, but I would guess our stock columns are 2 inches in diameter as opposed to 2.25 inches.
Be careful, as I recall there was two different column diameter options, one for THEIR OWN column and one for a FORD column.
Good luck!
You are right about the two different size columns and if the 2.25 inch column is for the iddit columns, maybe that explains an extra bracket they show in the parts illustration.
Still, this gives me some hope
Good luck with the project, Hillcountryflt. I'll be waiting to see what you come up with!
1968Mike, when you installed yours did you remove the steering column. Reviewing the instructions, that is called for, but from what I can tell not necessary.
Oh, here's a kicker. When I found this transmission some 3-4 years ago, I am pretty sure it had the Iddit bracket and pull on it. I spent $500 buying and having the "proper" shift levers installed.
In my case, it was not necessary whatsoever to remove the steering column. The guide clamps around the column as depicted in the pictures, so I can't figure why the instructions would say to remove it.
It was (and still is) a real pain on the Torino with how little column is exposed from the firewall and how little room there is with the fender being so close. I imagine it'll be quite a bit easier in the truck engine bay.
Seems you have just about the same luck as me... $500 and now you're back where you started!
In my case, it was not necessary whatsoever to remove the steering column. The guide clamps around the column as depicted in the pictures, so I can't figure why the instructions would say to remove it.
It was (and still is) a real pain on the Torino with how little column is exposed from the firewall and how little room there is with the fender being so close. I imagine it'll be quite a bit easier in the truck engine bay.
Seems you have just about the same luck as me... $500 and now you're back where you started!
I wish just $500. The C4 upgrade has been a royal pain and money drain just so my wife could drive it, which she probably will never do.
I would be a lot further along just rebuilding the old 3 speed.
Room is not in short supply under my hood with the straight six. I did add the power steering and power brakes, but still should be plenty of room. Went back and reviewed instructions again. They recommend removing, but don't specify it. I had a 68 Torino GT as my first car and my brother got a 71 Torino to go to college in. Other brother got a Montego of about the same generation.
A question for a parts guy - is the shifter linkage between column and transmission the same on all f100s regardless of engine for the C4 or C6? Had not thought about it buy my parts truck has a c4 or c6. That portion of the door tag is not legible. Did come with a 360, but believe that did change.
I any event, I was wondering if there is a chance the stock linkage from that truck would help/work?
