3 speed column shifting weirdness?

The original column shift had the shift collar split apart, so a few weeks ago I installed a steering column I got from a member on this board. Now, it shifts from 2nd to 3rd and back easily, but moving the shift lever over to 1st/reverse? Nope. The lever will not budge at all, almost like it is welded in place. Under the hood, I can easily move the linkage and shift it to 1st/reverse, so not a tranny problem. The "ear", or "tab", or whatever you call it at the bottom the steering column that moves between 1/R and 2/3 gears can rarely, with effort and a big screwdriver, be forced to move between shift rods (the shift lever by the steering wheel moves appropriately), but again, this is rare and doesn't fix the issue.

I thought maybe there was something that had fallen down the steering column by the spring down there that was maybe interfering with normal movement, but it doesn't look like it. I separated the steering column from the steering gear, moved the column up and away, and disassembled the column enough to slide all the moving parts down and out. Things looked ok and moved freely. Reassembled, exact same issue. Any thoughts, guys? Shifting to a floor mount might be an option, if anyone still made the conversion kits...

At least I can now drive it, even if I always start in 2nd and try to find a pull-through parking spot.

I'd like to see a picture of you linkages. Maybe something reversed?

Sounds like a linkage detent/lockout not being where the lever can move.
(an adjustment issue)
Does the shifter itself work normal when disconnected from the trans?
If they both work fine separated then you know for sure it's a linkage adjustment problem.

mccoymail said:

I'd like to see a picture of you linkages. Maybe something reversed?

Click to expand...

Just took a photo. If I grab the 1/R shift rod, I can shift it without issue. It is just shifting it with the shift lever that is a non-starter.

TrailBeast said:

Sounds like a linkage detent/lockout not being where the lever can move.
(an adjustment issue)
Does the shifter itself work normal when disconnected from the trans?
If they both work fine separated then you know for sure it's a linkage adjustment problem.

Click to expand...

That is actually something I hadn't tried yet, so I just did. Unfortunately, with both shift rods disconnected from the column, the shift lever still only moves up/down. It won't budge to move it over and select 1/R.

One other thing to mention: Turning the steering wheel causes the shift lever to move up and down slightly. I suspect that SOMETHING is stuck between the actual steering shaft and the shift components, though I didn't see anything when I partially disassembled it a couple weeks ago. May have to yank the entire column and completely disassemble it.

Thanks for the new ideas!

Moab Bomb said:

That is actually something I hadn't tried yet, so I just did. Unfortunately, with both shift rods disconnected from the column, the shift lever still only moves up/down. It won't budge to move it over and select 1/R.

One other thing to mention: Turning the steering wheel causes the shift lever to move up and down slightly. I suspect that SOMETHING is stuck between the actual steering shaft and the shift components, though I didn't see anything when I partially disassembled it a couple weeks ago. May have to yank the entire column and completely disassemble it.

Thanks for the new ideas!

Click to expand...

Yep, either something jammed or in the way of it moving far enough.
The dragging on the shifter when turning the wheel is a good indication it needs attention inside it.

There is an adjuster sleeve on the column that changes the clearance between the 2 levers. It is adjusted by rotating the sleeve after loosening the screws in the adjustment slots. The correct procedure is explained in the Factory Service Manual. I believe mine is adjusted properly but unless I granny shift, my 1-R lever drops out and I'm stuck in one gear. I have to pull over, open the hood, and unjam it. PITA. I'm collecting parts for a 4 speed floor shift conversion.

KosmicKuda said:

There is an adjuster sleeve on the column that changes the clearance between the 2 levers. It is adjusted by rotating the sleeve after loosening the screws in the adjustment slots. The correct procedure is explained in the Factory Service Manual. I believe mine is adjusted properly but unless I granny shift, my 1-R lever drops out and I'm stuck in one gear. I have to pull over, open the hood, and unjam it. PITA. I'm collecting parts for a 4 speed floor shift conversion.

Click to expand...

Interesting. I'll take a look at it this weekend, let you know if this helps. Thanks for your thoughts! Hope this works. And good luck with your search.