My 3-on-tree was made into a floor-mount by previous owner. Was the column-mount a problematic system...or have conversions been done just for personal preference? All hardware (except column "sleeve") is missing; assume I find the pieces, how big a job is this to return to original? Does anyone know if hardware was common to '61 - '66 (or even other years)?

 

My 'guess' is the 61-64 column is different, because it takes a different path through the floor and the steering box is of course completely different.
The column shifters aren't a fast way to shift, that's for sure. Problematic? Not if they are in good working order. The collar where the lever goes is known for rounding out and cracking where the pin goes in that holds the lever, but these are available new. A common 'problem' is that shifting becomes difficult, not because the linkage develops a problem (though that's what owners believe), but because rusty cab mounts sag and actually begin to pinch the linkage, making it hard to shift. There are some bushings that can wear out in them also.
I find the Ford linkage in most I've driven to be rather 'notchy'. The '66 Chevy I had prior to my first Ford shifted much nicer. That was the only positive aspect of the Chevy though.
If you want to return it to column shift, I'd probably suggest buying a complete column and linkage setup from someone so you are sure to get everything. 3 speed columns aren't that hard to find; it's the automatic ones that are somewhat rare.

 

Thanks. I was going to ask about interchangeability between the different years...but you answered that for me. Looks like a '65/66 would be the best donor.

 

I took mine apart and was able to order all the small pieces I needed to make it right for short money, the only think I couldn't find was the 2 flat shifter plates, so i hit them with the mig and reshaped them with a file, it shifts like new now.

As for drivability I much prefer a floor shifter, but I am having fun with this.

I've actually got a 4 speed for the truck, but I've been hesitating putting it in because I like the 3 on the tree. I've been trying to figure out how to make a shifter lockout so I can run the 4speed with the column shifter and use a seperate floor shifter just for reverse.

 

Just an FYI as a possible additonal source. I have no relationship or knowledge about this place: http://columnsgalore.com/index.htm

 

Hey EricJ, If you figure out how to convert a 4 speed to a column shifter, post it please. I was thinkin about doing the same, or adding a gear vendors under/overdrive unit. If it is overdrive you are looking for, the one that gear vendors uses without the in between gears and just overdrive, they suggest a 303 from a late 70's AMC. If not, I will try and find a way to make a 4 speed a column shift, but its gonna be hard for a toploader transmission to have the side shift points.

My thoughts, Craig

 

Gears 1-4 are easy, and it would be easy to make a second shifter for reverse, the problem comes in trying to keep someone from being in reverse and a forward gear at the same time.

If you did It without a lockout of some sort you could never let anyone drive it.

 

I know I just bought a 1966 F100 and it has a 3 on the tree original. I own it with my brother and we are planning to switch to an automatic trans. If you you are interested in in my old column let me know.

 

The 3-on-the-tree has become one of the best anti-theft devices ever. Nobody knows how to use it any more!

 

Here are the "wear parts" that'll prolly need changing.

2-C3DZ-3517-A Upper/Lower strg column bearing*

2-B1AZ-3518-A Upper/Lower strg column race*

1-C0DZ-7228-B Shift Collar*

1-C5TZ-7343-A Insulator Kit, shift levers (on column)#

*Fits 1964-72

#Fits 1965-72

 

Some of the early econoline vans had a 4-on-the-tree pattern. Not all that sure how it worked. 4 speeds on the colum were also common in europe as well. Perhaps something like that could be adapted to a regular truck? Either that or it could be used an an 'inspiration'.
Edwin

 

In most 4-speeds that have shift levers on the left side of the case, the interlock required is INSIDE the trans, so the above method should work. The only time you could move the reverse lever (or a cable shift ****) would be if the column lever was in neutral (& vice-versa).

The 4-speed version of the "three-in-the-tree" just has an additional lever plate in the stack, just like a 4-speed floor shift is similar to a three-speed. Econoline "four-in-the-tree" guts might be able to be transplanted to the '65-up columns.