Converting B&M Megashifter to Column Shaft

[fordhombre]

I've got a B&M megashifter in the floor of my '69 f-100. It's got the cable that runs around and down to my automatic C4 transmission.

Well the shifter is a little too difficult to manage for my wife, who will be occassionally driving the pickup. Not to mention our 2 year-old's car seat in the middle makes it difficult even for me.

So we're going to convert to the column shift which is still in place, just moves freely because there's no linkage to the tranny.

The pickup has had the Megashifter in it for as long as I've owned it and I don't know any other way to connect to the transmission. So my question is, how difficult is it to convert back to a regular column shift? The swinging eye-hole at the base of the steering column is still there, just not connected to anything. The C4 transmission is connected to a 351w, so maybe it's newer than what was originally in the pickup??? I dunno if C4's vary any...

Also, what would I be looking to pay for the linkage if I have to buy one?

Thanks in advance!

[papabug71]

I would think it would be as simple as unhooking the cable shifter, yanking the b&m, & hooking the factory linkage back up. As long as all your factory stuff is still in place on the colum, all you nedd is the linkage.

I guess your tranny is still a auto valve body? Remember if your going from full manual valve body back to full auto, you will need the kickdown linkage as well.

I have the linkage you need but I cant part with it. Stuff for these trucks is getting hard to find around here, & I have a C4 sitting in the shop with the intentions of swapping it into papabug one of these days.

It shouldnt be too hard to fing tho, Im sure someone on here has an extra collecting dust..

[Thunderfoot]

The only problem you may run into is the linkage on the trans may be the wrong length to work right with the column shifter. If it was out of a car it will more then likely be to short to work correctly with the column linkage. Basically the throws will be off so as you move the column shifter into a gear it will not move the trans into the selected gear correctly...
Finding a rod shouldn't be to bad or modifying one for a C6 may work, not sure...

[Banjo]

it is one rod that connects from the eyelet at the base of the column shifter (in engine bay) that runs down and connects to the automatic. If you are under the truck with wheels chocked and emergency brake pulled, you can move the automatic in and out of gears. If I remember correct, park is all way at top and rod moves the eyelet at base of column (in engine bay again all way toward driver side). 1st gear is just opposite, transmission tab all the way down, up a notch is 2nd, closer to floorpan is drive, up another notch neutral and then R and then park.
I'd think if you could find a decently strong metal rod and had access to a torch, maybe a vise and grinder or cut off disk you could fashion something up.

[fordhombre]

My goal today was to snap some pics, however it's pretty nasty outside, so diagrams will have to work. Having spent a little time down there, I'm pretty sure this is how it looks.

Here's the diagram for the B&M Megashifter:



And here's the image from Keith's exploded diagram:



There are two arms coming from the transmission. One is closer to the engine block, and that seems to be the one that controls what gear you're in, correct? At least on a 3-speed automatic...

So if I just run a set of linkage that fits and connect it to that front arm like in the diagram, it should shift? I'll probably need more than just the linkage, like that cube and swivel arm w/ the c-clip that hold it on... If I can't find it locally I'll post in the WTB section. Maybe try and trade the Megashifter?

EDIT FOR RECENT RESPONSE**

I do have access to those tools, just not the complete know-how to work something up. I'll see what some buddies can do, though I'd like to get something more original. Then again, saving $$$ speaks volumes!

[Banjo]

I"m probably lost on the question now, but the pic shows manual transmission doesn't it? Aren't you talking about converting an automatic back from floorshift to column? If I recall right the C-6 will only have one plate on the side and it moves all the way from 1st back up through to park. It's manual trans that have the two rods.

[70shortwide]

the bottom pic is of a 3-on-the-tree

[cdherman]

Note in the B&M instructions that it says to CUT OFF part of the stock shift arm. If that's been done, you'll need the shift arm as well. And the shift arm on a truck is longer than for a car.

When in park the shift arm on the tranny (the one closer to the body of the tranny, as you guessed) should be about horizontal to the ground and pointed forward.

Usually, floor shift kits have the shift arm pointed in a different direction.

You can change the direction that the shift arm points, BUT, it requires dropping the pan and *I think* that valve body as well. But I might be wrong about the last part. I just know, you have to get inside the tranny to flip that arm. It does NOT require removal of the tranny from the truck.

If you still have a shift arm on the tranny, and if its pointing forward and more or less horizontal, then you have hope. Finding the stock linkage arm may be difficult (I got one off ebay, but you cannot have it as I am hopeing to replace the Lokar shift arm that I currently have). Lokar makes one, but its for cars. For $45 it has a lot of useful parts, and it looks nice, but it will require some mods to use in a truck, as least it did for me. And even the Lokar will not solve your problem if the shift arm on the tranny has been butchered.

I have done what you are doing -- also rigged a proper kick-down from my 1bbl carb on a 240/300 which was a challenge. I could not find that set of parts either so rigged it with Lokar stuff.....

[cdherman]

I was curious so I ebayed for a little. Here are some useful things to look at:

This is a universal shift arm for C4/C6. This would be very interesting for you if your orignal is ruined or you need the longer one. This one has lots of holes, so you can choose the right one for the correct "throw". I have not had this part in my hands, but I think it installs from the outside, and thus, no need to open the tranny or mess inside.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/TCI-4184 ... ccessories

Here's a link to the Lokar linkage:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Lokar-Fo ... .m20.l1116

Those two items would get you going I think......

Fianlly, DanFordtruks in WA is a reputable seller, I have bought from. He apprears to have a stock shift arm. Bear in mind (read the other thread recently here) that the stock arm required correct plastic interts in the column shift arm as well as the tranny arm. You may find the Lokar is easier to use than the stock one, especially if you do not have the stock truck shift arm for the tranny.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/67-72-Fo ... .m20.l1116

[fordman]

just my opinion but dans price for that arm is reputable all right. but the guy doesnt sell junk that i have seen. his description seems to be correct. i know thats a c6 shift arm. i havent ever seen a c4 shift arm. but its probably close to the same i would think. sometimes the guy doesnt know what hes talking about though. so watch his other stuff unless you know what your getting.