WB Column shift 3 speed stuck in first

**Dylan** · 03-05-2011, 05:08 PM

Gday again guys. My WB ute is a column shift 3 speed manual. It occasionally gets stuck in first gear. Im assuming its a common problem as ive heard all the story's from old blokes.

What is it that goes wrong and is it fixable? All i do is move all the linkages and levers by hand and it seems to free it up (Although not today it's still stuck)

**agr071** · 03-05-2011, 08:10 PM

FORTUNATLY it never happened to me but i have heard it was because of worn linkages.

**Dylan** · 03-05-2011, 08:38 PM

Yeah i noticed one is quite flogged out where it connects to gear box. Might look at making a new one looks quite simple, bent flat bar with 2 holes? Will pull them off and have a real look.

**Vombil** · 04-05-2011, 12:20 AM

yeah im with agro. reckon your worn linkages caused the jam. spray some WD (not WB hahaha - not funny) 40 on the linkages that come off the steering column (maybe try to giggle them around too) in the engine bay while your mate tries to shift the column inside the cabin

worked for me on an HX

**razsandman** · 05-05-2011, 09:26 PM

wont come out of gear if there is load on the gear. push the clutch down let it roll and apply park brake and the try again. My old HT used to do it all the time.

**Dylan** · 05-05-2011, 09:41 PM

Thanks guys, Had a play around today lubricated where they come off the column and got a bit ruff all is good now. Noticed the linkage con the firewall side gets a bit stuck.

**adam perth** · 06-05-2011, 03:18 AM

make sure you always shift in the true H pattern helps too...

**Rico** · 06-10-2011, 10:00 AM

I used to happen on my HJ Sedan and my HZ ute all the time also. I found the issue was the linkage on the gearbox for first was badly worn. $5 @ the local wreckers for one that had no wear and I was back in business!

**wbute** · 06-10-2011, 11:24 AM

You can get a floor shift conversion for them. Would eliminate the issue. My old hilux has the same problems..... they fell of all together in the end. Tied them back on with tie wire.

**Mazdragon** · 06-10-2011, 01:39 PM

i used to have the same problem too, and seems u've already resolved the issue,lubrication fixed mine too. Was always good to get stuck in traffic, pop the bonnet, runnout of car with rag in hand, fix and get back in... most guys wld sit in disbelief that a girl knew how to fix the problem.... by the time they were finished cursing the "f*n old bomb" in front of them, i was already on my way... lol... no chance of that now... 4spd auto....