Struggling with My 3 on the tree column in my '53. Since I acquired it, I haven't been able to get it to shift properly. I believe I'm only able to get 2nd a reverse. after pulling the transmission I was able to figure out what I believe is going on. Trans shifts just fine and when inspected was found to be in great shape. both shift levers on column move with the shifter when disconnected from shift linkage. fully connected and under "load" the column will not shift. tons of slop (in column, shift lever) when completely connected as it should be. Does anyone recognize what's going on? should I source a new column? (anyone have one??) does anyone have experience with this and will to take on the job? are parts available to rebuild it? PLEASE HELP! 1953 ford mainline 3spd manual. I'm going to be swapping in a 302/c4 soon, but I really want to drive this car... Thanks in Advance!!
If you are swapping to a C4 find an automatic column sleeve. Maybe sure to get all the parts. Maybe try big M auto. You make a custom linkage from the arm to the gear selector on the trans. I think there is also a cable kit. As far as manual 3 speed column it's basically spring and grommets that make the shifting smooth. My F100 is pretty smooth but it think the just update the grommet and the rubber piece on the top of the column. I think if it was taken apart at some point. Maybe a spacer or spring was not put back in.
I ***ume you, checked at the end of the column where the rods attach to check for any hangup. How are the bushings there?
Everything up to the column mechanism it self has been gone over thoroughly. New linkage bushings etc. my next step is to remove column to dis***emble and inspect. I’ve searched and searched for any replacement parts for the column but haven’t found anything. If I pull it apart and find something messed like a bushing or such and can’t replace it? Ideally someone has a part out or a column around.
I would say compare the cloud function with someone that has a F100 truck version of the same era. Sometimes parts interchange. But in general I would find someone with the same shift style on the column. And video the bottom going through the gears with out being on. Then compare to how your linkage is acting when you try to go through the gears. I mean fist should be straight down from reverse. So if it's not physically going down there might be a throw issue. Or the lever is just Not coming down enough, or check to see if the linkage can be adjusted. I can try to take video of my linkage in action. But think finding some with an earlier ford one one would be better.
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