3 speed column to floor question

[Krueg]

I've done a search here and picked up some good info, but I'm hoping somebody can tell me exactly what I'll need to convert my three speed column to a floor shift. This is on a 72 F-100 with a 302. Thanks.

[69bumptruck]

Well, the obvious is a shifter. You'll have to cut a small hole in the floor. If the shifter doesn't come with a boot, you'll need one of those too. Money is generally the object here. You can go with all brand new, or try to find one from a parts truck. As for the column, you can leave it if you want. I've seen people just take the shift handle off and leave the column. Again, depending on what you want to spend, you can either find a new column, or make due with what you got. Leaving the one you have won't cause any problems. But the collar where the shifter is, may move around on you. Won't hurt anything though.

[GT-Racer]

One of these will work. Check out my parts for sale thread.

http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... hp?t=19359

[Krueg]

Thanks69bumptruck. I knew I needed a shifter, but I was wondering what all else I needed. I was thinking about just leaving the column but removing the shifter and/or disconnedting the linkages.

GT-Racer, I was pretty sure I needed that, but won't I need another kit besides.

[69bumptruck]

Thanks69bumptruck. I knew I needed a shifter, but I was wondering what all else I needed. I was thinking about just leaving the column but removing the shifter and/or disconnedting the linkages.

That's how my '69 was when I got it.

[sargentrs]

Been there, done that. I also have a 302. My column shift got sloppy on me and kept locking up between 1st and 2nd. Got tired of it and moved it to the floor. Just gotta cut a hole in the floor but it's a tight install with the tranny in the truck. Put the brackets on mine while I had the engine/tranny out doing a clean and paint on the engine comp. Figured while I had 'em out I'd replace the clutch and put the shifter in. Had to go back recently and tighten the shifter brackets back up and it was a real pain. My advice...spend the money on a good shifter. I bought a universal 3 spd truck shifter at AZ and it's a real dog. Sloppy and loose and is worn out after just a couple years. I'm eyeing a Hurst Mastershift. A little expensive ($145) and requires an installation kit to mount it (another $140) but compared to the AZ one I bought, it's no contest. Just looking at it, you can see the difference. Know what you get when you pay $40 for a shifter...a CHEAP shifter!

[sargentrs]

P.S. Save your old linkage and stuff. You might want to go back to 3 on the tree one day. I'm seriously considering it and have difficulty finding the old rods and levers. Carolina Classics has a sweet deal on rebuilds...

http://www.carolina-classics.com/Detail ... ategory=22

[72stepside]

Food for thought:

It is possible to repair a column if you want to avoid cutting the floor and installing a floor shifter.

There are tech articles on this site that explore the column shift with lots of pics and diagrams. New bushings and such are available from Mac's.

[BlueovalFE]

I bought a 3 speed floor shifter and the installation kit from Jegs. It's a Hurst, forget the model, and I love it. Shifts are clean and crisp. PIA to install, but still worth it.