stock manual shift column advice

[Casey835]

My 2 options are -

Rebuild my stock manual shift on the column

or

Buy a rebuilt one from somebody like TBP

The issue I have with rebuilding it myself is just how complete is the rebuild kit. Dont know about you guys but anytime ive ordered a "complete" rebuild kit, its usually not complete and there are parts that you need in addition to the $150+ kit. Plus who is to say I can even assemble it correctly even though I have rebuilt everything else on my bronco.
Really im just looking for comments from those who have rebuilt their own or have bought one from TBP!

 

[Casey835]

Really? Nobody has done either?

 

[BeardedBlues]

I have the same issue. I'll be using the 3 speed for another year or so and starting off in 2nd gear is a little embarrassing.

 

[Scoop]

Why not go to a floor shifter? Duff's has the best one.

 

[sprdv1]

Why not go to a floor shifter? Duff's has the best one.

X2.. best thing you could do probably.. consider that as Option # 3

 

[Chief Master Sergeant]

I rebuilt my column and it crapped the bed on me two years later. The shift tubes aren't that great and I got tired of it getting hung up between gears. I adjusted the crap out of it until I finally broke down and went to a floor shifter. I then rebuilt the column again, but removed everything but the bearings. Floor shiter was one of the best mods I've done. Don't get me wrong, I love three on the tree, but it gets to be a PITA when it doesn't work right.

If you decide to rebuild, just pay close attention to how it comes apart and ask questions on here if you get stumped. There's really not that much to it.

If I had the money, I would buy a new column if you don't want to go to the floor.

 

[Casey835]

not 1 of 2 options

Why not go to a floor shifter? Duff's has the best one.

I like the Duffs floor shifter, but thats not the way I want to go yet.

 

[Casey835]

thanks CMS

I rebuilt my column and it crapped the bed on me two years later. The shift tubes aren't that great and I got tired of it getting hung up between gears. I adjusted the crap out of it until I finally broke down and went to a floor shifter. I then rebuilt the column again, but removed everything but the bearings. Floor shiter was one of the best mods I've done. Don't get me wrong, I love three on the tree, but it gets to be a PITA when it doesn't work right.

If you decide to rebuild, just pay close attention to how it comes apart and ask questions on here if you get stumped. There's really not that much to it.

If I had the money, I would buy a new column if you don't want to go to the floor.

This is the advice I was looking for. Think Ive made up my mind. I dont have money to piss away, but I want what I want. If it dont work out or when it doesnt, ill get the Duffs floor shifter.

 

[orangecrush4u]

Let me tell you from 6 years and break downs which I contribute to a worn tranny. Your shift tube is prob broke. I broke column 1 and said im getting the floor shifter.... it showed up kinda set it up without really didn't like the idea of cutting the hole in my floor and having it that close to my leg..... move it to 3 more columns and they let go at anytime with no warning I started to send my column to TBPs and tell them I was sending it to them with a letter on the box to call me when it gets there, to call ME !!!and we have had no issues cause its the shift tube weak metal and its always under a $100 with shipping. so try that route. Im still glad to this day that I did not cut that hole in my floor cause im going to a NP 435 in the next couple of weeks and my GFs has the 3 on the floor conversion and its a PITA just my couple of cents ;D

 

[Fireball05]

Casey - how did your rebuild go? I'm trying to decide what to do to mine. Actually called TBP today and they suggested I might try starting off replacing the shift lever bushings before doing a whole rebuild.

My original 3 on the tree is pretty darn sloppy.

 

[patterdale]

I rebuilt my column and it crapped the bed on me two years later. The shift tubes aren't that great and I got tired of it getting hung up between gears. I adjusted the crap out of it until I finally broke down and went to a floor shifter. I then rebuilt the column again, but removed everything but the bearings. Floor shiter was one of the best mods I've done. Don't get me wrong, I love three on the tree, but it gets to be a PITA when it doesn't work right.

If you decide to rebuild, just pay close attention to how it comes apart and ask questions on here if you get stumped. There's really not that much to it.

If I had the money, I would buy a new column if you don't want to go to the floor.

Sorry I couldn't resist but I want to see the floor shiter accesory for Early Broncos.

 

[Casey835]

Beautiful! I will post up some pics this evening. Thanks for asking Fireball

 

[Fireball05]

Beautiful! I will post up some pics this evening. Thanks for asking Fireball

Awesome! Glad to hear it and will look forward to the photos. Any tips or tech advice would be greatly appreciated. This would be new territory for me.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Casey835]

here it is

Hope I dont disappoint you, but I threw $500 at it and heres what it looks like. Plus steering wheel, turn signal lever and chrome shifter. I didnt even send core in because I believe mine is good enough to rebuild if need be, and now ive got one to go by. Oh yeah TBPs was the vendor.

 

[Casey835]

under hood

 

[Fireball05]

Casey - thanks for the photos. Unfortunately I can hardly tell what's going on because your engine bay and interior are so muddy and covered in dirt. Perhaps you should clean that thing up once in awhile ;D

That looks awesome. I guess you haven't gotten a chance yet to drive it and try it out?

I'd be interested in your thoughts on my current column issues - take a look here, 1st video in the 1st post. Is that about what yours was like before replacement?:

http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=215657

BTW, what kind of steering wheel is that? Love the wood wheel, really cool!

 

[Casey835]

Nope haventdriven it yet. Since rebuild. Needabronco pretty well summed up the prcedure for evrything you asked. As was said align linkage on column, at that point shifter on column is in nuetral. Now put the arms on tranny in nuetral position(which would be in middle) and adjust rods to fit up. The bought rebuilt column seems to be a solid unit. The only thing that gave me trouble was inserting the new shift handle. I didnt see how to install it other than a swift lick with a rubber type mallet to set it. I inspected everything and seemed to be not damaged from the whack. Everthing is tight or i should say not sloppy. Another thing I believe is important is that your not shifting this thing with force like a sports car. Youre basically gently guiding it from gear to gear. Not man handling it. Steering wheel is from LMC. Pretty sure it was Grant and install kit.

 

[Fireball05]

I ended up rebuilding mine. Posted some photos here:
http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=217965

The rebuild kit from JBG was complete except as noted above, a washer and a snap ring. Hoping it lasts for awhile, but who knows! Not as pretty as Casey's above, but a good bit cheaper, and not as difficult as I imagined.