Shift linkage bushings--'55 3 on the tree

Lamar Wadsworth

Lamar Wadsworth

Senior Member
Back in the day when 3 on the trees were common, every parts store had the kit to replace the bushings on the shifter forks on the column. They wear out, rubber disintegrates, and shift linkage binds up. Anybody know who has these? Best I remember back in the day they were pretty much universal for 3 on the tree. The bushing goes in a 3/4" hole in the shifter arm, 5/16" hole where the shift linkage attaches. I have a pretty good hardware store locally but couldn't find anything there. Dennis Carpenter lists them part # C5TZ-7343A for '65-72 pickup and '66-67 Bronco. These look like they might work but have no way to measure them before I buy. Found some on eBay listed for '49-'51 but the part # has an 01A- prefix which tells me that it fits back to '40. I'd almost gamble on them being the same for '55 or close enough to work. Does anybody have a parts book that shows the number for this part on a '55 car 3 on the tree? If it has an 01A- prefix I'm home free and can get what I need.
 
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The latest Mac's (Ecklers) catalog I have shows the rubber bushings for manual transmission, part #B2AZ-7343-A, $8.99 each, (2) required. Not a kit, you need to buy two bushings.
As far as universality you suggested, I don't think so. These bushings only fit 1952-1956 manual transmission shift levers. Even the Fordomatic levers for the same year had different size bushings than these.
 
BTW, they used to sell the rubber bushings for the Fordomatic up till about two years ago, now no longer listed at all. But there are many items listed in the catalog they don't have in stock or are out of production now, so I suggest calling for availablility before blindly ordering and taking a chance on a l o n g wait to get your parts.
And another thing for you folks out there that have Fordomatic with deteriorated rubber bushing on your shift lever....don't expect your starter neutral switch to work much longer. Once those cheap chinese contacts engage a little off center, the contacts burn or pop off completely inside the switch. Then you'll be buying another replacement neutral switch for $48 that aint worth spit either.
 
Check with Dennis carpenter. They are one of the biggest suppliers around. Other sources are C & G Ford parts, Three Gen Auto, Green Sales, Early Ford V8 Sales, Gotham Auto parts.
 
Got to go to Rome next week--Powell's Auto Parts has been in the same location since the '40s--they have stuff that nobody else can get. They have 80 year olds behind the parts counter.
 
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