Column shifter not doing much

[busmania]

Got the engine running last week, now it’s time to get the car to actually move. I removed my steering column to redo the frame and all that. Now that I’ve put the steering column and steering box back in, the shifter does not really seem to do anything but move up and down and I’m only able to get one of the two levers down by the engine to move.

Is there a diagram that shows how this all goes together? I installed new shift rod bushings but have not installed the rods yet. Should the shifter shift in the H pattern when nothing is hooked up? It seems as though something inside the column is no longer hooked up.

As always, appreciate the help. I can get pictures but I’m not sure it helps at all. Everything on the outside looks normal.

 

[Seth Swoboda]

There is a 1940 Ford manual that shows an exploded view of this assembly. It's realtively simple. You need to get every 1940 parts and service manual you can find. Also, purchase the Early Ford V8 Club's 1940 Ford book. Even if you are not concerned with an authentic restoration, it describes the car in great detail.

One thing to remember, while forums like these are extremely helpful, put yourself in the shoes of a Ford mechanic in the 1930s-1940s. They had to read the service manuals to learn. I find they make a great supplement to the internet.

 

[Bob C]

Here is a picture from Mac V site.

 

[rich b]

If you didn't mess with the clevis end adjustments while re-bushing; putting rods back on with the trans in neutral should you get close enough to fine tune it.

 

[petehoovie]

Here is a picture from Mac V site.

 

[Ggmac]

Pm sent
Gary

 

[Ggmac]

there is a small spring in near the horn button end that can fall out

 

[busmania]

Thanks y’all. I’m back to looking at this.

I removed the shifter assembly from the column. Part 7303 above (the top most lever) just flops on the shaft. It spins freely. It seems like something is broken or is this by design? The lower shaft moves when I move the shifter. Upper one does nothing but spin on the shaft. Again, I’m not sure if this is how it’s supposed to be?

 

[Ken/Alabama]

Make sure the 7337 pin is in there. If it’s broke or missing the shifter will not move the levers.

 

[busmania]

Alright I got it all back together and it works! One more thing off the list….thanks y’all.

 

[Bob C]

And the problem was??

 

[busmania]

Hey Bob, I am not sure. I think I mixture of me not having the column actually installed, not connecting the shift rods to the transmission and not understanding how it worked. It seems as though it’s difficult to get the shifter to make the H pattern when not installed in the car with column. Not totally sure the problem or if there ever actually was a problem.

 

[Zax40]

I am rebuilding a column for my 40 and ran into the same issue as the OP. When operating the shifter on the bench the lower shift arm moves with the shift lever whether it's in the forward or rear position and the upper arm just flops around.

Since I am blowing it all apart to clean and refurb anyway I disassembled the parts and took some pics. It shows the pin Ken mentioned and makes it a little more clear how everything works. My theory is that on the bench without being anchored in the car there is just not enough leverage for the upper shift arm to slide and engage the pin.

 

[busmania]

Yep I agree with you. I installed everything in my car and it all works fine.