3OTT help I gots a floppy shaft

norville · 09-27-07, 08:25 PM

Folks, I need to make a decision here.. I have a 71 that I plan to make a partial DD in a year or so. The three on the tree needs some help . Lot's of slop in the column only. The bolt in he lower column where the linkage starts under the reverse switch is loose or worn out?? It has a funky bolt with a hole in it and a wire wrapped around the shaft. Also the other worn linkage is the shaft that is closest to the engine kinda like a ball a loop socket junction the after the column pivot the closer to the engine one lots of play there. I think these two areas would get rid of my floppy shaft issue.

Or locally I can get the complete parts to swap in a 4spd from a 77 bell to shafts. Would I still be able to use my bench seat??

I don't mind the 3ott, but I would think the 4spd would give me more gear options for the F?? do like the retro column shift, but would hate to not drive it cause it's a pain in the dupa.

Please let me know what I should do?? This is a mall cruiser and occasion weekend wheeler.

thanks
bob

dgangle · 09-28-07, 08:48 AM

I'm sure there are a multitude of reasons Toy went from a three on the tree to a floor-shift 4 speed. I would think the benefits far outweigh and whether or not the shifter clears your benchseat is the least of your worries. Alter the bend of the floor shifter with a little heat if you need to. It's only metal. We can out-think it.

norville · 09-28-07, 08:51 AM

I guess the cheapest easiest option would be a floor shifter for the 3 speed. I just hate passing up a good deal on parts so close. Seriously though I could use that money on other items needing attention and get it on the road sooner.

bob

Degnol · 09-28-07, 10:52 AM

Bob, I had the same problem on my '66 and just removed the TOT and bought a floorshift/top plate for $25. Ultimately i swapped in a 4 speed. The floor shift is easy, quick and gives a much more positive shift. Bonus is that there is someone else who will want it when you are done with it.

Ed

norville · 09-28-07, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Degnol

Bob, I had the same problem on my '66 and just removed the TOT and bought a floorshift/top plate for $25. Ultimately i swapped in a 4 speed. The floor shift is easy, quick and gives a much more positive shift. Bonus is that there is someone else who will want it when you are done with it.

Ed

Ed, you may be able to answer all my questions.

How large of a hole did you have to cut in the floor? I assume you were able to remove the top cover with the tranny in the truck???

So why did you goto a 4 speed? Easier/better driving? Or did your 3spd crap out? How much would you spend for all the parts to swap out for a 4spd? If you had the oppertunity to get a 4spd and just lay it in the corner till needed would you have(prior to your swap)???

thanks
bob

Degnol · 09-28-07, 11:31 AM

The hole was not that large, maybe 3"? I put the top plate on without the shifter cane and put a nice ring of grease on the part of the top plate where the cane attaches. Then I carefully set the tranny hump back on, removed and it made a nice ring right where the hole should be. If you get a little crazy with the hole, just use a 4 speed boot and it will cover nicely. Yes, top plate is easily removed with the hump off. I put the tranny in neutral so I reinstalled the new top plate in neutral, piece of cake.

GL

Ed

Pin_Head · 09-28-07, 12:34 PM

The column shift is retro cool. Fixing it by replacing worn out or loose parts would be the easy way as many people throw them away.

norville · 09-28-07, 04:48 PM

Pin-Head, I agee, but I'm having trouble finding any info on the linkages. No one stocks the parts. And I haven't seen any for sale in the FS section. I admit I did not post on the wanted section...

I would love to see a write up and some pics if anybody has them. I've been to SOR and I have a toy manual here but the pics are small and not a lot of info.

bob