1953 Fargo truck, 1/2 ton, 3 on the tree, cannot find 1st speed/reverse speed

[iowafargo]

Have purchased a 1953 Fargo (dodge) truck, Looking for some technical descriptions/pictures on how the gear shift mechanism/adjustment works at the base of the steering column under the hood? I cannot find 1st or reverse speed.

Edited January 19, 2023 by iowafargo

[Lingle]

welcome!  do you have a service or parts manual you can reference?  this forum is awesome so Im sure someone will help answer the question but i know the big deal is pictures, do you have any you could share of your project?

[billrigsby]

12 hours ago, iowafargo said:

Have purchased an old Fargo truck, Looking for some technical descriptions/pictures on how the gear shift mechanism works at the base of the steering column under the hood? 

 

Hope this helps.....

Pages from 1951-1953 Canadian Dodge and Fargo Parts List.pdf

[iowafargo]

Thanks for the fast response. The drawing helped. I think I have found the problem, there is a bushing on the steering column that should be compressing the spring at the bottom of the shift mechanism. This bushing has a flange on it and I think the flange is meant to be spot welded to the steering column. Because it is loose the spring is not compressed and the shifter at the bottom is falling out of the groove at the end of the shifter shaft. 

I have simulated how I think it should be by using cable ties to hold the bushing flange to steering column and now I can find 1st and reverse speed!! 
Great to also see a nearby Iowa member on the forum!!

[iowafargo]

This is the bushing that I believe should be spot welded to the steering column, see stick i am using to point to it. Bushing is loose. You can see cable ties I am using to simulate a fixed busing. Can anyone confirm if this bushing is spot welded to steering column?

[nonstop]

I had the same problem - the bracket pulled loose from the column.  Driving through town with only second and third gear was a pain, but I got it home.  I welded it back on (pretty ugly), but it now works again.

 

long story short - yes, the bracket is spot welded.

[iowafargo]

Thank you!! This forum has really helped!!

[JBNeal]

additional information - column shifter adjustments