F100 Wont Shift!!!
New User
Joined: Aug 2011
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Flying Finn
Flying Finn,
our thread was about shifters for automatic transmissions.
But, in your case, I'd recommend that you disconnect the linkage between the cabin and the transmission so that you can see whether the binding is in the transmission itself or whether it's in the steering column. You need to locate the problem to fix it.
our thread was about shifters for automatic transmissions.
But, in your case, I'd recommend that you disconnect the linkage between the cabin and the transmission so that you can see whether the binding is in the transmission itself or whether it's in the steering column. You need to locate the problem to fix it.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 142
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From: Miami Beach, FL
Exactly. And I have the same exact symptoms as here:
Shifting some times is fine for some reason but for most of the time, shifting from 2nd - 3rd to 1st or reverse is stiff as hell. I need to pull the shifter pretty damn hard while moving it up and down and then finally it budges...
When I changed the bushings, for a while it worked great which (with the fact that some times the shifting is fine) makes me think it's the adjustments with the linkages. I've tried to play with the two "legs" in the engine compartment with no results.
Unless something can be broken inside the column?
Any ideas?
...Symptoms: Will shift fine from first to second, fine from 2 to 3rd and fine from Reverse to first. Will not shift back into the first/reverse position from 2nd gear. Does not appear to be the transmission as I can reposition the two levers under the hood back into first gear as well as from under the truck can shift into all gears after disconnecting the linkages...
When I changed the bushings, for a while it worked great which (with the fact that some times the shifting is fine) makes me think it's the adjustments with the linkages. I've tried to play with the two "legs" in the engine compartment with no results.
Unless something can be broken inside the column?
Any ideas?
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
From: Miami Beach, FL
Anyone with any ideas?
Again, for a couple of days the shifting was fine...
Now it's back to being hard to shift from 2nd-3rd to 1st-reverse.
I tried playing with the levers (on the bottom of the steering column inside the engine compartment) but can't figure out what to adjust to see if any of that helps.
(I'm thinking it would be an adjustment problem since some times it's ok).
What would be a best place to have it checked? A transmission place? Ford dealer?
I don't know any local shops who deal with old trucks but maybe the dealer knows of someone (or has some old geezer still working there who knows these things)?
Again, for a couple of days the shifting was fine...
Now it's back to being hard to shift from 2nd-3rd to 1st-reverse.
I tried playing with the levers (on the bottom of the steering column inside the engine compartment) but can't figure out what to adjust to see if any of that helps.
(I'm thinking it would be an adjustment problem since some times it's ok).
What would be a best place to have it checked? A transmission place? Ford dealer?
I don't know any local shops who deal with old trucks but maybe the dealer knows of someone (or has some old geezer still working there who knows these things)?
New User
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 10
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Stuck in Reverse...
Yest I ran into this problem on my way to work with my '75. Sitting at the light in N and then when I went to shift into 1st it wouldn't engage. The odd thing is, it locked into R and I started backing up and could not shift out of R. Good thing I didn't ram the car behind me. Anyhow, I got her towed home so I can work on her. BTW, she's a 3(4 with R) on the floor and I get to try and figure this one out here in a few. At least I have some starting points from this thread. 
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,724
Likes: 1
From: peru kansas
some of the binding could be caused by your cab mounts being bad are your cab mounts rusted out? my dad ran into that problem for a few years he had a 2x4 block holding cab up and it was just fine till he finally replaced cab corner and mount
New User
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Hello,
I have a 1975 Ford F-100 and I have been having the #2 Problem. When disassembling the steering column I notice that the Shift collar is cracked on the top. How can I purchase a new shift collar and re-install it
I have a 1975 Ford F-100 and I have been having the #2 Problem. When disassembling the steering column I notice that the Shift collar is cracked on the top. How can I purchase a new shift collar and re-install it
New User
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Springfield mo
Yes a three speed on column just replaced the clutch and pressure plate and can't find any gears
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Elder User
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Just finished doing clutch on my other truck, floor mount. Things I have found linkage needs to be tight. Make sure the piece you put in to hold tranny in netural is tight. The piece the fits into the shift holes has to br tight, ace hardware by me sells some small bushings that worked on mine truck. Use spring clips instead of coitter pins if you can. If you have to use coitter pins use a combo of metal and plastic washers to get connections tight. Grease the inside of shifter real good. Make sure the connectors that go on the tranny are in good shape. These connectors can get larger over time, I had one aftermarket that was cracked.
First make sure tranny is not the problem then get a freind to work shifter looking at all bushing/parts. Grap the shifter rods move each one by hand look for bad/loose parts. If you have a bolt the holds the shifter arms in the tranny make sure they are not come slightly loose. Hope this helps some.
First make sure tranny is not the problem then get a freind to work shifter looking at all bushing/parts. Grap the shifter rods move each one by hand look for bad/loose parts. If you have a bolt the holds the shifter arms in the tranny make sure they are not come slightly loose. Hope this helps some.
New User
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 3
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From: Five Points AL
I have a 73 Ford f100 with a 3speed manual in the floor I can shift through all gears sitting still but when I got and take off in first I can’t shift into second or third any solution for my problem?
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