Please identify this thing on my steering column

[desmondmonster]

Gentlemen,

 

What is this rod that is attached to my steering column?  The shop manual doesn't mention it at all.  If I pull up on the top part it rotates the bottom piece and locks it in place, but the bottom piece doesn't connect to anything.  It doesn't appear to be aftermarket as it mates well with the column itself.  But I cannot figure out what it is (was) used for.  I'm considering simply removing it.  Any ideas?  

[Plymouthy Adams]

I'd tell you but you would only end up hurting yourself slapping your forehead.....don't want to be responsible for that....☺️

[desmondmonster]

Plymouthy, it wouldn't be the first time this truck has humbled me

 

Horn attachment?  Alternate starter control?  Autopilot?  Anti-Theft device?  Anti-owner device??

[Merle Coggins]

That’s the shift linkage. There should be a shift lever connected at the top. Has your truck been converted to a floor shift trans? 

[desmondmonster]

@Merle Coggins, nothing is connected to either end.  No sign of a shift lever.  The truck has a floor mounted stick shift which appears original - is it not??

[Merle Coggins]

A B3B, if equipped with a 3 speed, would have column shift. A 4 speed would be floor shift. It seems that either someone has replaced the column at some time, or replaced the trans. 

[Los_Control]

Kinda sorta but not really.

I have a 1949 that normally would have a floor shift & a E-Brake handle on the floor.

 

For 1950 they moved the shifter to the column & the Ebrake under the dash.

 

Really sounds like what you have.

 

 

[Dave72dt]

The PARTS manual does show it as well as some missing pieces.  It could be removed if you don't need it.  Don't cut the pieces out. Someone else may have a use for it and until you're sure the trans you have is what you're going to use, leave it as is.

Edited November 21, 2021 by Dave72dt

[desmondmonster]

ah, the Steering section of my shop manual has nothing about it but the Transmission section does...so you already have to know what it is before you go looking!

 

Anyway, I am not sure what kind of transmission I have.  I only gave the truck the briefest of test rides when I bought it because the brake system had completely failed.  It's been on blocks since while I work on it.  Holding in the clutch and moving the shifter into various positions feels like there are 4 stops, which would mean 3 forward and 1 reverse.  Kinda hard to say since the action on the shifter is pretty wobbly.  My EBrake is indeed mounted under the dash.

 

Regardless, I think I'll just remove this thing.  The linkage is long gone and I don't foresee restoring a column shifter.  Even if I swap the transmission I'd prefer a floor shifter.  If anyone wants it please PM me.

 

thanks for the help ✌️

[greg g]

If it's a swapped in floor shifted 4 speed, it probably agranny low gear non syncronized box.  Most people unless loaded or trailering only use 2nd, 3rd, and 4th.  As the 1st gear plus the 4.something to one rear gears make the 8 mile an hourtop speed of first gear easy to do without.

[Merle Coggins]

If it’s a 3 speed it’s out of an earlier (‘49 or earlier) truck. That’s fine as long as it performs as required and you’re happy with it.