Hi, I have a 76 F100 with 3 on the Tree. It won't shift into First or Reverse Gear. I just purchased this truck and it worked when I got it. However to shift into reverse I had to be in First gear ( It wouldnt go into Reverse from Neutral.)
It just stared giving me trouble the other day and I would have to try a few times to get it into first gear. Once it was in gear the truck moved fine and shifted into 2nd with out any problems. I have got under the truck (with it in neutral) and when I move the bracket that comes out of the transmission it moves the shift lever on the sterring column. I can figure out if it is the Tranny or the Sterring Column. Any help would be greatly apreciated. This is my first Truck and I'm a novice so please excuse my wording. Many Thanks, Embrace-A-Dream

 

Sounds like the old worn shifter linkages to me. Make sure the shifter is free.

When trying to go to 1st or rev, pull the lever towards the steering wheel (firmly). When going to second push out to neutral and push the lever towards the dash and then lift it up into second.

Pushing from 1st to 2nd in a straight line can cause a hangup.

I used to drive my truck all day without a problem, and my wife couldn't drive it to the grocery without hanging it up.

I solved that problem with a C6.

John

 

Thanks for getting back with me John. I've tried pulling firmly and when it was working I could feel it go into neutral before lifting up for 2nd gear.
I'm not sure what a C6 is?
Thanks,
Embrace-A-Dream

 

Ah, The C6 is an automatic. I fully believe any full grown Ford truck can shift it's own gears, and I don't need to.

John

 

Thanks John. I figured that what you were saying after some thought this weekend. I however dont have the money to do that right now. If any one has any other ideas please let me know.
Thanks,
Embrace-A-Dream

 

sounds like the tube inside the column is slipping
you have two tubes inside the column
one is the upper attached to your shift leaver
the lower is attached to the linkage at the bottom of the
column in the engine bay
they are connected in the middle with a plastic sleeve
to check its function you need two people
one works the shifter while the second watches the linkage
you will see the tube end move up and down between the two leavers
as it is operated
then the correct leaver move up and down to shift the trans

 

Thanks MGH, I have someone looking at it now. Does any one know what years could interchange. I have found a 67 in a junk yard but I dont know what other years I can use?
Embrace-A-Dream

 

Thanks Everyone For Your Help!

The Shift Collar Sleeve was loose so I had a friend weld a half pipe on to the sterring rod to tighten it up. Works like a charm

Embrace-A-Dream