3 speed on the column? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

In The Ten Ring · 07-13-2013, 01:40 AM

How many manual shift on the column guys are here? Pics would be nice.

That's what my truck is and even though it's a pain sometimes, it's pretty neat to drive.

(Well, it will be once I get it going again! I'm the "fuel system cleaning" guy that keeps asking all the questions).

ITTR

MikeyMan · 07-13-2013, 05:22 AM

Had the 3 OnTheTree on my 71 C/10 for awhile, was a "cool" factor.
But, got tired of the linkage getting stuck. Damn 40 year old parts!
I bit the bullet and cut a hole in the floor and installed the Mr. Gasket floor shifter kit.
Easy install, looks great, and works flawlessly. No regrets.

In The Ten Ring · 07-13-2013, 06:23 AM

My dad warned me about the linkage getting stuck but it never happened when I was driving it. Now that it's set awhile, I guess I need to clean that part too!

ITTR

BrianPlaster · 07-13-2013, 06:57 AM

I love my 3 on the tree / it's my real Daily Rig
Posted via Mobile Device

Bigdav160 · 07-13-2013, 07:33 AM

When I learned to drive almost all cars were standard shift on the column

My Suburban is 3-speed column shift except it's an automatic

faribran · 07-13-2013, 08:26 AM

I have a 3 on the tree. I have added a 3 speed tranny with over drive
Posted via Mobile Device

slow-1 · 07-13-2013, 08:32 AM

My 72 was 3 on the tree until 11 years ago when I put in the 700r4. I still miss the feel of moving the handle through the gears.

I remember riding in my truck when I was a kid with my grandfather driving (he bought it new), he shifted the gears so slow and deliberate, I thought we might come to a stop between 1st and 2nd sometimes.

I got the truck from him when I was 16 so I learned to drive with the 3 on tree also.

I still have all the stuff to put it back in some day.

Hubscrub · 07-13-2013, 08:34 AM

Mine was, i installed a 700r4/350 in place of the 3speed and inline 6 if i knew now how bad i miss it i would have left them both

mrein3 · 07-13-2013, 09:35 AM

Not only would my 3-on-the-tree only jam at the boat landing, it jammed EVERY time I was at the boat landing. Other than the best theft deterrent out there, I feel my jam-o-matic swap to th350 was the best swap I've done on my truck.

Although I do miss the clutch for shifting the transfer case. Sometimes you want the low gear range driving the wheels like when you're plowing or pulling something that is getting hung up. With the th350 you have to come to a full stop, shift the transmission to park, then shift the transfer case. With a stick you can just push in the clutch and keep some momentum.

geezer#99 · 07-13-2013, 10:11 AM

I've driven a 4ott in an Austin Cambridge and a right hand drive 3ott in a Rambler Classic.
And they all hang up when you try to shift too fast.

Rufton · 07-13-2013, 10:30 AM

I like 3 on tree.
Service guy really put the hurt on it, then he drive it around back in 3rd; uhmm the smell of burnt clutch.
Still don't have adjustment dialed in.
Would like to replace worn parts; have yet to check availability?

In The Ten Ring · 07-13-2013, 04:47 PM

They do take a degree of coordination to use!

And you are right, most people wouldn't know how to drive it!

I can remove my shift lever easily, I have thought about backing the truck up against a tree or wall, putting it in reverse, removing the shift lever, and never worrying about a theft when I go out.

ITTR

69Cherrybomber · 07-13-2013, 07:07 PM

My 69 GMC C-15 has a 3 on the tree and I love it. I have never had any problem with it jamming up or anything.

Rufton · 07-13-2013, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69Cherrybomber

My 69 GMC C-15 has a 3 on the tree and I love it. I have never had any problem with it jamming up or anything.

Sounds good. Bet it will last a long time if you keep it oiled and shift gently.

LMREESE · 07-13-2013, 08:24 PM

Only time I ever ad any problems was when the bushings wore out at the transmission. Replaced them and no more problem. Now I have a granny 4 speed cause I pull some pretty heavy trailers.
Posted via Mobile Device

71sixgun · 07-13-2013, 09:13 PM

I've got one in my c-10 with a 250 in front of it. Fun old rig to drive. where can a guy get column bushings and linkage parts for that? LMC doesn't have much for it last time I checked.

19673ontree · 07-13-2013, 09:31 PM

I have listened to people complain about three speed on column hanging up for ohh I don't know 35 years or so , I have yet to see anything mechanically wrong with one of them ? people just don't understand how to shift them , my 67 has the factory three speed on the column I can drive 7 days a week 365 days a year and I have NEVER had it to hang up , my girlfriend wanted to drive it cause she said it was weird she made it about 500 feet and hung it up ? now does that mean the shifter needs repair ? or as some say THATS A PISS POOR SET UP ? or THOSE ARE JUNK ? well the answer is NO ! its not the shifters fault if someone doesent understand how to shift it ?
here is a diagram I made and is all that is required to shift just stay of the red ! almost NOBODY understands these shifters ,,,,

Rufton · 07-13-2013, 09:53 PM

They do develop a personality when bushings are a few decades worn. Non-sync trans adds to the charm. I saw big improvement when I replaced trans shift linkage bushings. Right now the shifter can't be adjusted to spec due to wear. I suspect I can remove steering shaft and insert a thrust washer to close the gap (already turned fully in).
It does work if driver familiar w/ it's quirks. Didn't see many parts after quick google.

19673ontree · 07-14-2013, 09:31 AM

three speed in the floor shifters the ones sold over the parts counter will hang up just like the column shifters in our trucks but its the same story nobody understands how to shift them , basically what happens is by not holding the shifter correctly it tries to go into two gears at one time and hangs up , I had a 67 Camaro three speed in the floor nobody could drive it ?? used to flip me out back then I drove the car to work drove it all the time but anytime I would let someone else drive it the shifter would hang up ?? everybody said the shifter was tore up ? WAS IT ?

Rufton · 07-14-2013, 09:38 AM

Problem is when kid at wally world damages your car because he's not familiar w/ it's quirks.

19673ontree · 07-14-2013, 09:42 AM

I have some of my sons friends ask how the shifter works LOL my son can drive em now he had trouble at first but he is good now ,,

PanelDeland · 07-14-2013, 09:54 AM

I've got one and plan on keeping it for the coooooooolllll factor.Mine never hangs.If yours does,replace the bushings and follow the adjustment procedure in the factory manual or the FAQ's and learn to shift as said before.The only thing I don't care for is the lack of OD.I can't swing the $3000 for a Gearvendor OD and have yet to find an adapter to mate it to the 3ott.

geezer#99 · 07-14-2013, 10:03 AM

I like your diagram but I'd mod it a little. Move the red line up 10% on reverse.
I've always shifted them going slightly up to reverse and then back down and over to second. That way the shift arms align perfectly.
You probably do the same without thinking about it. Most people think it's a straight line from 1st to second and hang it up. THey aren't speed shifters.

**Daubs** · 07-14-2013, 10:15 AM

My first truck was 71 3/4 ton with 250 six and three on tree. Few problems, but overall fun to drive. My dad still has the 62 Impala he got new from factory. It has 327 and three on tree. Love that car!,
Posted via Mobile Device

Rufton · 07-14-2013, 10:19 AM

To avoid gear grind in non-sync trans, I shift into 2nd before dropping into 1st when full stopped.

07-13-2013, 01:40 AM	#1
In The Ten Ring Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: West Virginia Posts: 6,421	3 speed on the column? How many manual shift on the column guys are here? Pics would be nice. That's what my truck is and even though it's a pain sometimes, it's pretty neat to drive. (Well, it will be once I get it going again! I'm the "fuel system cleaning" guy that keeps asking all the questions). ITTR

07-13-2013, 05:22 AM	#2
MikeyMan Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.W. Chicago, IL. Posts: 317	Re: 3 speed on the column? Had the 3 OnTheTree on my 71 C/10 for awhile, was a "cool" factor. But, got tired of the linkage getting stuck. Damn 40 year old parts! I bit the bullet and cut a hole in the floor and installed the Mr. Gasket floor shifter kit. Easy install, looks great, and works flawlessly. No regrets.

07-13-2013, 06:23 AM	#3
In The Ten Ring Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: West Virginia Posts: 6,421	Re: 3 speed on the column? My dad warned me about the linkage getting stuck but it never happened when I was driving it. Now that it's set awhile, I guess I need to clean that part too! ITTR

07-13-2013, 06:57 AM	#4
BrianPlaster Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Carrboro NC Posts: 71	Re: 3 speed on the column? I love my 3 on the tree / it's my real Daily Rig Posted via Mobile Device

07-13-2013, 07:33 AM	#5
Bigdav160 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Klein Texas Posts: 3,852	Re: 3 speed on the column? When I learned to drive almost all cars were standard shift on the column My Suburban is 3-speed column shift except it's an automatic __________________ My Classics: '72 K20 Suburban + '65 Dodge Town Wagon '72 Corvette Roadster +'67 Corvette Roadster '73 Z-28 Camaro '63 Ford SWB Uni Pickup '50 Ford Coupe

07-13-2013, 08:26 AM	#6
faribran Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: AL Posts: 1,828	Re: 3 speed on the column? I have a 3 on the tree. I have added a 3 speed tranny with over drive Posted via Mobile Device __________________ "

07-13-2013, 08:32 AM	#7
slow-1 Registered User Join Date: May 2013 Location: Central NC Posts: 830	Re: 3 speed on the column? My 72 was 3 on the tree until 11 years ago when I put in the 700r4. I still miss the feel of moving the handle through the gears. I remember riding in my truck when I was a kid with my grandfather driving (he bought it new), he shifted the gears so slow and deliberate, I thought we might come to a stop between 1st and 2nd sometimes. I got the truck from him when I was 16 so I learned to drive with the 3 on tree also. I still have all the stuff to put it back in some day.

07-13-2013, 08:34 AM	#8
Hubscrub Cruzin Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: on the road Posts: 2,835	Re: 3 speed on the column? Mine was, i installed a 700r4/350 in place of the 3speed and inline 6 if i knew now how bad i miss it i would have left them both __________________ Lime Wife's 67https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...wZEMODaS2d94u8 Back to the Fifties 59 https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...NAeStpydfrcj_U Proverbs 3:5,6 "Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel across the country from coast to coast without seeing anything."Charles Kuralt In memory of our first baby daughter, daddy and mommy love you. Danica Grace 6/26/14

07-13-2013, 09:35 AM	#9
mrein3 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Center City, MN, USA Posts: 3,253	Re: 3 speed on the column? Not only would my 3-on-the-tree only jam at the boat landing, it jammed EVERY time I was at the boat landing. Other than the best theft deterrent out there, I feel my jam-o-matic swap to th350 was the best swap I've done on my truck. Although I do miss the clutch for shifting the transfer case. Sometimes you want the low gear range driving the wheels like when you're plowing or pulling something that is getting hung up. With the th350 you have to come to a full stop, shift the transmission to park, then shift the transfer case. With a stick you can just push in the clutch and keep some momentum. __________________ '70 cab, '71 chassis, 383, TH350, NP205. '71 Malibu convertible '72 Malibu hard top Center City, MN

07-13-2013, 10:11 AM	#10
geezer#99 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Bowser Posts: 13,522	Re: 3 speed on the column? I've driven a 4ott in an Austin Cambridge and a right hand drive 3ott in a Rambler Classic. And they all hang up when you try to shift too fast.

07-13-2013, 10:30 AM	#11
Rufton Registered User Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Knoxville TN Posts: 1,170	Re: 3 speed on the column? I like 3 on tree. Service guy really put the hurt on it, then he drive it around back in 3rd; uhmm the smell of burnt clutch. Still don't have adjustment dialed in. Would like to replace worn parts; have yet to check availability?

07-13-2013, 04:47 PM	#12
In The Ten Ring Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: West Virginia Posts: 6,421	Re: 3 speed on the column? They do take a degree of coordination to use! And you are right, most people wouldn't know how to drive it! I can remove my shift lever easily, I have thought about backing the truck up against a tree or wall, putting it in reverse, removing the shift lever, and never worrying about a theft when I go out. ITTR

07-13-2013, 07:07 PM	#13
69Cherrybomber Registered User Join Date: May 2013 Location: Corryton, Tennessee Posts: 25	Re: 3 speed on the column? My 69 GMC C-15 has a 3 on the tree and I love it. I have never had any problem with it jamming up or anything. __________________ 1964 GMC 1000 series 292 3 speed 1969 GMC C15 305e V6 3 speed

07-13-2013, 08:24 PM	#15
LMREESE Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Ringgold GA Posts: 149	Re: 3 speed on the column? Only time I ever ad any problems was when the bushings wore out at the transmission. Replaced them and no more problem. Now I have a granny 4 speed cause I pull some pretty heavy trailers. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 67 C10 swb bored out 350 granny 4 speed I come from a long line of moonshiners

07-13-2013, 09:13 PM	#16
71sixgun Registered User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Clifton, Maine Posts: 86	Re: 3 speed on the column? I've got one in my c-10 with a 250 in front of it. Fun old rig to drive. where can a guy get column bushings and linkage parts for that? LMC doesn't have much for it last time I checked.



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07-13-2013, 09:31 PM	#17
19673ontree CAN'T FIX NOTHIN Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: SOUTHRUST VIRGINIA !!! Posts: 2,112	Re: 3 speed on the column? I have listened to people complain about three speed on column hanging up for ohh I don't know 35 years or so , I have yet to see anything mechanically wrong with one of them ? people just don't understand how to shift them , my 67 has the factory three speed on the column I can drive 7 days a week 365 days a year and I have NEVER had it to hang up , my girlfriend wanted to drive it cause she said it was weird she made it about 500 feet and hung it up ? now does that mean the shifter needs repair ? or as some say THATS A PISS POOR SET UP ? or THOSE ARE JUNK ? well the answer is NO ! its not the shifters fault if someone doesent understand how to shift it ? here is a diagram I made and is all that is required to shift just stay of the red ! almost NOBODY understands these shifters ,,,, Attached Images __________________ 1967 C10 Shortbed Fleetside Small back glass 6 cyl 3spd on the tree 3.08 gears underdash AC

07-13-2013, 09:53 PM	#18
Rufton Registered User Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Knoxville TN Posts: 1,170	Re: 3 speed on the column? They do develop a personality when bushings are a few decades worn. Non-sync trans adds to the charm. I saw big improvement when I replaced trans shift linkage bushings. Right now the shifter can't be adjusted to spec due to wear. I suspect I can remove steering shaft and insert a thrust washer to close the gap (already turned fully in). It does work if driver familiar w/ it's quirks. Didn't see many parts after quick google.

07-14-2013, 09:31 AM	#19
19673ontree CAN'T FIX NOTHIN Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: SOUTHRUST VIRGINIA !!! Posts: 2,112	Re: 3 speed on the column? three speed in the floor shifters the ones sold over the parts counter will hang up just like the column shifters in our trucks but its the same story nobody understands how to shift them , basically what happens is by not holding the shifter correctly it tries to go into two gears at one time and hangs up , I had a 67 Camaro three speed in the floor nobody could drive it ?? used to flip me out back then I drove the car to work drove it all the time but anytime I would let someone else drive it the shifter would hang up ?? everybody said the shifter was tore up ? WAS IT ? __________________ 1967 C10 Shortbed Fleetside Small back glass 6 cyl 3spd on the tree 3.08 gears underdash AC

07-14-2013, 09:38 AM	#20
Rufton Registered User Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Knoxville TN Posts: 1,170	Re: 3 speed on the column? Problem is when kid at wally world damages your car because he's not familiar w/ it's quirks.

07-14-2013, 09:42 AM	#21
19673ontree CAN'T FIX NOTHIN Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: SOUTHRUST VIRGINIA !!! Posts: 2,112	Re: 3 speed on the column? I have some of my sons friends ask how the shifter works LOL my son can drive em now he had trouble at first but he is good now ,, __________________ 1967 C10 Shortbed Fleetside Small back glass 6 cyl 3spd on the tree 3.08 gears underdash AC

07-14-2013, 09:54 AM	#22
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: 3 speed on the column? I've got one and plan on keeping it for the coooooooolllll factor.Mine never hangs.If yours does,replace the bushings and follow the adjustment procedure in the factory manual or the FAQ's and learn to shift as said before.The only thing I don't care for is the lack of OD.I can't swing the $3000 for a Gearvendor OD and have yet to find an adapter to mate it to the 3ott. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

07-14-2013, 10:03 AM	#23
geezer#99 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Bowser Posts: 13,522	Re: 3 speed on the column? I like your diagram but I'd mod it a little. Move the red line up 10% on reverse. I've always shifted them going slightly up to reverse and then back down and over to second. That way the shift arms align perfectly. You probably do the same without thinking about it. Most people think it's a straight line from 1st to second and hang it up. THey aren't speed shifters.

07-14-2013, 10:15 AM	#24
Daubs Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Eastern Nebraska Posts: 611	Re: 3 speed on the column? My first truck was 71 3/4 ton with 250 six and three on tree. Few problems, but overall fun to drive. My dad still has the 62 Impala he got new from factory. It has 327 and three on tree. Love that car!, Posted via Mobile Device __________________ '72 Chevy K-20 Crate 350, SM465, 4.10's

07-14-2013, 10:19 AM	#25
Rufton Registered User Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Knoxville TN Posts: 1,170	Re: 3 speed on the column? To avoid gear grind in non-sync trans, I shift into 2nd before dropping into 1st when full stopped.

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