Three on the Tree problem

[MAK]

I'm having a problem with my 3 speed column mounted shifter. It seemed to start giving me problems all of a sudden and didn't gradually start having problems going in to gear. Was shifting fine every time I drove it and then after being parked for a couple months I took it out and had a heck of a time getting it in to 2nd or 3rd. Now each time I drive it I have problems about 50% of the time. Generally after I struggle with it going around the block a few times after I get it in to 2nd then I'm usually ok and I can shift it in and out the rest of the trip. I'm not dragging it across the gears and am deliberately placing it in neutral and then trying to get it in 2nd or 3rd.
I have visually inspected the bushings & insulators at the linkage and they look ok but then again I don't really know what they would look like worn out. I don't have a way short of taking it all apart to see if the thrust washers or shift arm spacer is worn out like in Keith's 3-speed tutorial. Is there a way to determine if these parts need to be replaced or if my problem is due to some other adjustment. Can you tell by looking without taking it all apart? How much play or slop should there be? Should they fit very tight with no lateral play or what should it feel like? Replacing the bushing & insulator looks a whole lot easier than getting in to replacing the shift arm spacer and thrust washers... Is this type problem usually a combination of wear on all those diff parts?
Thanks for any help.
Mark

[AlleyCat]

From your description it sounds like lack of lubrication to me. Have you tried spraying the linkage with something like WD40?

[MAK]

From your description it sounds like lack of lubrication to me. Have you tried spraying the linkage with something like WD40?

Yeah, I've sprayed it down with lube several times. That did actually seem to help the first time I started having the problem. I've got enough on it now though that I'm not sure that could still be the problem.

[AlleyCat]

Something else that may help or you may have already tried is to spray penetrateing grease into the column where the levers are.I've seen dirt and rust built up in the lower end of the column.

[MAK]

Thanks AlleyCat, I'll give it a try.
Anyone else dealt with shifting problems with any advice?

[l1k2gadd]

I have found that when I try to force the shifter in my '68 to shift I have problems between 1st and 2nd. It is like the shifter is hanging up between the two gear positions. I have found that the shifter will "drop into" the 2nd gear position on it's own as I smoothly move the shifter from 1st to 2nd, not road-dogging the truck off of the line either.

I have actually found a shifter-less collared column and a 4 speed behind a 302 in a 1972 Bump. I am going to be converting my truck over so I get away from the column shift altogether. I can't wait. I currently have a 10 lb lifting maximum restriction right now though so the yard I go to is pulling the tranny and all of the components for me so I can pick them up (have them put them in my pickup's bed) on Saturday. That'll be a project for 4 or so weeks from now.

[4th effie n counting]

well it sounds to me like you'll be rebuilding that column, or converting to floor shift. That's what i did, but in my case 3rd and R didn't engage at all.
Either one is probably about the same as far as difficulty goes. The main factor is if you really want to stay 'original' and what kind of shape your truck is in in the first place.
I don't think the parts to rebuild column are that expensive, I may get another column and do mine at some point, i just needed mine moving right away. Plus my floor was (is) pretty rusty, all except the trans cover ironically enough.