3 speed on column hard to shift - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**65truckowner** · 11-22-2020, 08:24 PM

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 · 12-14-2020, 09:23 AM

Quote:

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** · 12-14-2020, 09:26 AM

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

TwoFiftyShifter · 12-14-2020, 05:02 PM

PB blaster is quick.

**cwcarpenter98** · 12-14-2020, 05:14 PM

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** · 12-14-2020, 08:01 PM

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

**65truckowner** · 12-14-2020, 08:14 PM

Thanks guys

67GMCcampercruiser · 12-15-2020, 02:54 PM

We have always used diesel fuel to lubricate the linkage.

CC's 62 · 12-15-2020, 06:16 PM

Quote:

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 · 12-15-2020, 06:17 PM

Quote:

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** · 12-17-2020, 09:13 AM

Quote:

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** · 12-17-2020, 11:30 AM

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 · 12-17-2020, 02:04 PM

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** · 12-19-2020, 08:21 PM

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 · 12-19-2020, 08:31 PM

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

**Riverstory** · 12-19-2020, 10:12 PM

Quote:

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** · 12-20-2020, 07:27 AM

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** · 12-20-2020, 08:15 AM

Quote:

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

11-22-2020, 08:24 PM	#1
65truckowner Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: mountain view arkansas Posts: 1,319	3 speed on column hard to shift 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? __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548705

12-14-2020, 09:26 AM	#3
65truckowner Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: mountain view arkansas Posts: 1,319	Re: 3 speed on column hard to shift I may just have to tear it down but was hoping for a quick fix someone has done __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548705

12-14-2020, 05:02 PM	#4
TwoFiftyShifter Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Gwinnett GA Posts: 1,803	Re: 3 speed on column hard to shift PB blaster is quick. __________________ 1982 K10 SWB 1987 V20 - Sold - Doh!

12-14-2020, 05:14 PM	#5
cwcarpenter98 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Hickory Flat, GA Posts: 4,494	Re: 3 speed on column hard to shift 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 __________________ Christian Carpenter 1963 C10 - Frankentruck 283, Muncie 3 speed with overdrive Overdrive wiring here 1963-ish truck bed trailer - Half-Wit 1981 C10 - Penny 305, th350 --> Soon to be 350, Saginaw 4 speed 1995 Dodge Dakota Sport "I'll put it simple: if you're going hard enough left, you'll find yourself turning right." - Doc Hudson

12-14-2020, 08:01 PM	#6
jayoldschool Moderator Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: ON, Canada Posts: 2,181	Re: 3 speed on column hard to shift I just put new bushings on my linkage down at the trans, the old ones were gone. Made a huge difference in shifting.

12-14-2020, 08:14 PM	#7
65truckowner Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: mountain view arkansas Posts: 1,319	Re: 3 speed on column hard to shift Thanks guys __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548705

12-15-2020, 02:54 PM	#8
67GMCcampercruiser Registered User Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Riverton, Manitoba Posts: 67	Re: 3 speed on column hard to shift We have always used diesel fuel to lubricate the linkage.

12-17-2020, 11:30 AM	#12
jayoldschool Moderator Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: ON, Canada Posts: 2,181	Re: 3 speed on column hard to shift 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.

12-17-2020, 02:04 PM	#13
1966shortwide Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Great bend,ks Posts: 230	Re: 3 speed on column hard to shift 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

12-19-2020, 08:21 PM	#14
65truckowner Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: mountain view arkansas Posts: 1,319	Re: 3 speed on column hard to shift 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. __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548705

12-19-2020, 08:31 PM	#15
1966shortwide Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Great bend,ks Posts: 230	Re: 3 speed on column hard to shift You would not had to temove wheel ,i never did but you got it now you can speed shift...lol

12-20-2020, 07:27 AM	#17
The Rocknrod Moderator Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: China Spring, TX Posts: 7,280	Re: 3 speed on column hard to shift 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. __________________ Master Chief, US Navy, Retired 1964 C10 Step-side Short Bed - In Progress 2009 2500HD Duramax LTZ 1948 GMC Panel 1956 Big Window Stepside 1953 5 Window Chevy Stepside 1932 Coupe New Seat Foam for Bench Seats? Last edited by The Rocknrod; 12-20-2020 at 07:33 AM.



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