3 on the tree rebuild

Suspension, steering, brakes, wheels & tires

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bluemoose
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3 on the tree rebuild

Post by bluemoose »

I believe I am going to need to rebuild the column shift on my 67. It intermittently refuses to shift out of first gear. I had to pull over and do it manually from under the truck. Is there a kit I can get? I would like to have everything I need right there when I take the column out. I have seen some info in the technical section, but does anyone know of a step by step or tutorial?
It looks straight forward, but I never know when I get into something, and I would prefer to be prepared.
I have also seen that summit offers new ones. Does anyone offer them rebuilt?

Thanks
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sargentrs
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Re: 3 on the tree rebuild

Post by sargentrs »

I rebuilt my 3OTT myself. It was simple and pretty straightforward. It was my first time and it went together easily. Swapped to auto and rebuilt that one too. This time I took pics https://fordification.com/forum/viewtop ... =5&t=72274 I bought all of my parts, for both, here http://www.carolina-classics.com/Result ... mit=Search They used to offer a rebuild service but I'm not sure it's still available. Might try calling and asking.
Randy
1970 F100 Sport Custom Limited LWB, 302cid, 3 on the tree. NO A/C, NO P/S, NO P/B. Currently in 1000 pcs while rebuilding. Project thread: http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... 22&t=59995 Plan: 351w, C4, LSD, pwr front disc, p/s, a/c, bucket seats, new interior and paint.
1987 F-150 XLT Lariat, 5.0/C6 auto.
bluemoose
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Re: 3 on the tree rebuild

Post by bluemoose »

Thanks Sarge. I will check it out.
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Re: 3 on the tree rebuild

Post by bluemoose »

Talked to Carolinaclassics, and they have discontinued standard shift tubes. I guess I gotta hope the one in there is in great shape. What are the odds on that?
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sargentrs
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Re: 3 on the tree rebuild

Post by sargentrs »

Randy
1970 F100 Sport Custom Limited LWB, 302cid, 3 on the tree. NO A/C, NO P/S, NO P/B. Currently in 1000 pcs while rebuilding. Project thread: http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... 22&t=59995 Plan: 351w, C4, LSD, pwr front disc, p/s, a/c, bucket seats, new interior and paint.
1987 F-150 XLT Lariat, 5.0/C6 auto.
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hillcountryflt
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Re: 3 on the tree rebuild

Post by hillcountryflt »

You might check with this person:
terry@familygsale.com
http://familygsale.com/page27.php

He apparently does not list all the parts. He had a 68-69 PS with auto column I was looking for.
1971 F100 Custom SB Flareside;
2016 Explorer;
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2016 Harley Ultra Limited
2008 Ford Mustang Deluxe V6
bluemoose
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Re: 3 on the tree rebuild

Post by bluemoose »

Ok, got most of it apart. Shift tube doesn't want to come out. Did you push it through the top of the column or the bottom? I want to be real careful using a persuader.
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Re: 3 on the tree rebuild

Post by bluemoose »

Got it. It comes out the top. Funny thing is, all the pieces look like they are in pretty good condition. Not sure why it was shifting so poorly. The plastic parts I expected to be toasted were not.
Does the spring at the bottom of the tube need to be replaced? There is also a plastic sleeve down there.
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sargentrs
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Re: 3 on the tree rebuild

Post by sargentrs »

I replaced my spring but can't remember where I got one at. If you can't locate one, just pull it out to extend it a little more to give some more compression. That's what pushes the tube back up to help the shifter self locate neutral. I didn't replace that plastic sleeve on bottom, just lubed it well with some lithium grease. Replacing the plastic washers, rubber shifter insulator, springs and bearings and lubing it really well will give a remarkable new feel to it.
Randy
1970 F100 Sport Custom Limited LWB, 302cid, 3 on the tree. NO A/C, NO P/S, NO P/B. Currently in 1000 pcs while rebuilding. Project thread: http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... 22&t=59995 Plan: 351w, C4, LSD, pwr front disc, p/s, a/c, bucket seats, new interior and paint.
1987 F-150 XLT Lariat, 5.0/C6 auto.
bluemoose
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Re: 3 on the tree rebuild

Post by bluemoose »

To wrap this thread for future searchers, rebuilding the column was pretty easy. It took me, never having done it before, about 6 hours. That included taking it out of the vehicle, and replacing the rag joint while I was in there. I can't believe how much better the steering is, and now I don't need to drive it only in second gear.
I am guessing that I could probably do it again in half the time, as I took pictures along the way to make sure I knew how things went back together. I would absolutely say go for this project.
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