Stuck shifter linkage

[Marion]

what might be the best way to free up a stuck shifter linkage.
I have an old (1968) f100 which sat for over 5 years and have 1st and reverse, but cannot shift through neutral to 2nd or 3rd.
Ideas?

[Mach428]

Assuming this is a column shift, try spraying some WD-40 on the lower portion of the steering column where the shifting levers are located. You may also wish to disconnect the 2nd 3rd shift arm at the tranny and move the trans shift arm to ensure the problem is in the column and not the transmission.

[michael69]

Sounds like the shifter got stacked. Raise hood grab both shifter arms coming from steering column and move them up and down by hand,and they should fall back in place.

[Marion]

Thanks for the responses guys.
It looks like the problem is in the column.
I grabbed the linkage under the hood and moved it to 2nd and 3rd, though I can's seem to do it with both levers.
the column shift lever doesn't seem to move through neutral to where I can shift to 2nd or 3rd.
1st and revers are as smooth as silk, but I cannot make it go through to higher gears.
i will try the hand adjusting one more time and see where I get.

[Donnie]

Possibly the "nib" at the lower end of your shift tube is broken...Before pulling the shift tube, I would disconnect the shift arms to see if the trans will shift into all positions... If the trans is OK, pull your shift tube, problem could also be in the shift collar area, Right under the steering wheel & turn signal switch...You should find two 7/16 nuts, loosen them almost off but not all the way...you can then wiggle the collar off the column
WHOOPS, forgot, pull the shift handle first. I would guess if the tranny is OK,, your shift tube or collar is your problem....Donnie