3 speed on column hard to shift

[65truckowner]

A friend of mine has a 66 c10 with the 3 speed on the column. In cold weather it is hard to pull the shifter back to go into first. He can pull it in the garage where it is warm and let it warm up then it pulls back with ease. What should I grease or what else can I do to fix this?

[CC's 62]

Originally Posted by 65truckowner

A friend of mine has a 66 c10 with the 3 speed on the column. In cold weather it is hard to pull the shifter back to go into first. He can pull it in the garage where it is warm and let it warm up then it pulls back with ease. What should I grease or what else can I do to fix this?

I have the same issue during cold weather months. Not sure why or how to fix. Maybe someone will chime in.....I hope.

[65truckowner]

I may just have to tear it down but was hoping for a quick fix someone has done

[TwoFiftyShifter]

PB blaster is quick.

[cwcarpenter98]

PB blaster or some WD 40 will work. If that frees it up some in the cold, it's probably old grease that is sticking and should be cleaned out and fresh grease applied. Member Lugnutz65 has a great write-up with pictures on his website about rebuilding a 63 steering column. The 64-66 columns are similar, so you should be able to use that as a good reference if you decide to dig into it a little deeper. https://lugnutz65chevystepside.weebl...n-rebuild.html

[jayoldschool]

I just put new bushings on my linkage down at the trans, the old ones were gone. Made a huge difference in shifting.

[65truckowner]

Thanks guys

[67GMCcampercruiser]

We have always used diesel fuel to lubricate the linkage.

[CC's 62]

Originally Posted by cwcarpenter98

PB blaster or some WD 40 will work. If that frees it up some in the cold, it's probably old grease that is sticking and should be cleaned out and fresh grease applied. Member Lugnutz65 has a great write-up with pictures on his website about rebuilding a 63 steering column. The 64-66 columns are similar, so you should be able to use that as a good reference if you decide to dig into it a little deeper. https://lugnutz65chevystepside.weebl...n-rebuild.html

Thanks Christian, I'll take a look at lugnutz write up.

[CC's 62]

Originally Posted by jayoldschool

I just put new bushings on my linkage down at the trans, the old ones were gone. Made a huge difference in shifting.

Thanks Jay, maybe that's all I need. I'll look into it.

[Riverstory]

Originally Posted by jayoldschool

I just put new bushings on my linkage down at the trans, the old ones were gone. Made a huge difference in shifting.

Jay, where did you get your bushings? I have ordered but yet to receive - I was told that they may have been discontinued. Thanks

[jayoldschool]

Bill's Truck Shop up here in Canada. Just did them last month, had them shipped in with a gas tank for a buddy's 67 GMC 910.

[1966shortwide]

Just squirt wd 40 with plastic nozzle into collar were shift handle is pined and give several good squirts while working handle back and forth in neutral gate. It will loosen up right away, had one do that years ago. No need to year down

[65truckowner]

Yes I pulled the steering wheel today and right behind the shifter I lubed it up good and cleaned it then lubed it again. Works better than ever now.

[1966shortwide]

You would not had to temove wheel ,i never did but you got it now you can speed shift...lol

[Riverstory]

Originally Posted by jayoldschool

Bill's Truck Shop up here in Canada. Just did them last month, had them shipped in with a gas tank for a buddy's 67 GMC 910.

Checked with Bill's Truck Shop. They did not have any more. If you have a lead on any more . . . . Thanks

[The Rocknrod]

Like these? - https://www.classicchevy.com/chevy-o...-340145-1.html
or - https://www.classicparts.com/1947-76...nfo/91%2D062B/
Shiftworks has Universal Linkage Grommets and the whole Rod Swivel Kits for shift linkages.

[Riverstory]

Originally Posted by The Rocknrod

Like these? - https://www.classicchevy.com/chevy-o...-340145-1.html
or - https://www.classicparts.com/1947-76...nfo/91%2D062B/
Shiftworks has Universal Linkage Grommets and the whole Rod Swivel Kits for shift linkages.

I recently ordered the 2 part grommets from American Classic Truck Parts and at one time, they had these and can no longer source them. Their part was 91-063 and those parts no longer appear on their website. The ones that I have are original and my intuition tells me they are gonna fail once I start driving this restoration.

These 2 grommets per shift rod are out of a 1966 C10 panel, three speed on the column.

Any assist in locating new replacements would be much appreciated