Column Shift Problem
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Tuned
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 296
Likes: 23
From: Illinois
Column Shift Problem
Took my 68 240 ci six, 3 on the tree to Home Depot the other day and after driving for about 5 minutes couldn't get it into 1st gear. Most of the way I had to start out in 2nd gear, but a few times I got it into 1st. Trying to shift to reverse first was no help because when it wouldn't go into 1st, it also wouldn't go into reverse. When I left Home Depot it shifted into reverse and 1st gear with no problem, but again after driving just a few minutes it wouldn't go into 1st gear or reverse, and I had to start in 2nd. I think this is a linkage problem, but I've never adjusted linkage before and have no idea how to, or if that's the problem, or something else. I've owned this truck for 10 years and never had this issue.
I apologize if this has been answered already. I did a search but didn't find anything.
Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Glenn
I apologize if this has been answered already. I did a search but didn't find anything.
Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Glenn
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,251
Likes: 304
From: Kenner,La.
Shift linkage
Look under the cab where the front body mounts attach to the frame. It could be where the problem is. Is the clutch linkage working, can you push the clutch down while in either gear and start the engine without the truck trying to move?
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 494
Likes: 144
From: Colorado Springs
Here are a couple of 3 on the tree threads that have some good info in them, hope this helps.
How to tighten up a three on the tree? - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
Can't shift into 1st or Reverse - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
How to tighten up a three on the tree? - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
Can't shift into 1st or Reverse - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 296
Likes: 23
From: Illinois
The linkage is working for the most part, The problem with not going into 1st or reverse seems to happen after driving for 5 or 10 minutes. I can push the clutch in and shift to second to start out, but it won't go into 1st or reverse. I can leave it in second with the clutch in and it doesn't creep forward, it's disengaged.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 127
Likes: 40
I had a similar issue after I replaced the clutch. After it warmed up, it was hard to get into reverse. All I had to do was adjust the clutch linkage a little bit. May not be the same as your issue, but it sure sounds a lot like mine.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,069
Likes: 138
From: tucson
Check all the connecting points on the shift linkages. Another place where things can go bad, is where the shift lever goes into the column. Check the collar to see if it has cracked. If it's like my '66, the shift tube has a reinforced area
where the shift lever acts when you push or pull on it. People have had the hole get wallode out and the reinforcing boss break off, all causing problems with shifting.
where the shift lever acts when you push or pull on it. People have had the hole get wallode out and the reinforcing boss break off, all causing problems with shifting.
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Tuned
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 296
Likes: 23
From: Illinois
I'm capable of replacing the grommets, but not sure I want to tackle taking the steering column apart as shown in the instructions.
Thanks for your help though, hopefully the grommets do the trick.
Thanks for your help though, hopefully the grommets do the trick.
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Tuned
Joined: Apr 2014
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From: Illinois
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Tuned
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 494
Likes: 144
From: Colorado Springs
Have you seen this, very good information here: The Ford 3-Speed Manual-Shift Column Explored - FORDification.com
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