New guy 1984 C10 3 speed on column

[jbsealy]

I have an 84 C10 driven little and neglected since 1995.  I bought it used in 1985.  It is a 250 I6 with 3 speed column shift.  I have >200k on it since it was my primary vehicle from 85 to 95.  It is original except replaced the radiator and battery tray some years ago.  Haven't been real good to my old friend.  I just put up a ShelterLogic canopy for her until I have something more permanent.  My plans are to stop all rust (no cancer rust found), rebuild the shift column, and rebuild/replace trans since it has sync problems downshifting to second. I'm sure the shifter could use a bit of work cleaning and lubricationg although it shifts OK.  I will use truck as daily driver around town etc.  At times I have thought of putting in an auto with V8 or keep 3 spd with a floor shift.  I won't cut a hole in the floor.  Anyway I thought some might enjoy looking at a neglected, but basically original base c10.  Any guidance on the shifter rebuild for parts and process is appreciated.

 Here's some pics.

Cheers, JB

[Blazin]

Welcome to pour family from New Hampshaa.
Cool truck, have had a few 3 on the tree C10s. Would love to have another.

[jbsealy]

Thanks Blazin.   

 I spend time on JeepForum since I have a CJ7 and we all love pics over there so a few more. 

[zieg85]

I have a 84 C10, same 4.1L 3 speed column shift.  Bad news is that I have not found parts to rebuild a column.  NLA and good used ones are really hard to find.  It took me 7 years to find a column for my 86 and not sure it is good or not.  My 84 has 123K on it and it has not been abused, so far so good but I am very gentle with it.  My 86 came with a broken shift collar and a floor shift, I wanted to put it back to original, I had to find everything for it.

[integralstraightVI83]

I vote you stay with the L6.  I have an 83 step side orignal L6 with integral head.  Keeping the head for now.  At one time I had a small block in it, but now trying to see what I can squeeze out of my L6. Does yours have integral head?

[jbsealy]

I appreciate the replay.

Yes re integral head.  I am going to stay with the 250.  If/when the engine requires rebuild, is there a head a I should look for to replace the integral?

JS

[jbsealy]

zeig85,

You might be interested in these youtube videos on 3 speed on column rebuild.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2W4Ly0m01LE

JS

[integralstraightVI83]

An earlier head off a 194, 230, or 250 is a good base for the aftermarket intakes available.  If you decide that route I'd be interested in that intergral head. 

[zieg85]

zeig85,

You might be interested in these youtube videos on 3 speed on column rebuild.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2W4Ly0m01LE

JS

Thanks, I watched a few but nothing was mentioned about new parts except that shifter handle that I saw.  Great video to know how to take them apart though.

[jbsealy]

Intergralstraight, I'll keep that in mind as well as keep my eye out for earlier head.  Wasn't the intergral head first used around 81?

Zeig85, yeah only mentions ignition lock parts and some electrical parts.  Nice re preparing for disassembly though.  Like I mentioned, mine shifts ok, but I am sure if I took it apart cleaned it all and greased it properly it will last.

Thanks all,

JS

[zieg85]

It is always interesting to me that rarely do you see the 60-66 and 67-72's that are still around with 3 on the tree that has been converted to a floor shift.  They must have really cheapened up the design on the 73-87's.  Most enthusiasts convert to a more modern automatic or later 5 speeds with OD.  It is very rare to see a column shift that still works and even rarer that the old school would be still desired.  I like the old school ways and since 87 was the last 3 on the tree I think they are special and a joy to drive...  GM replacement parts are NLA and if you find them they are really expensive in NOS.  Depending on how loose and what is worn would determine what direction to take.  I lucked out by finding a guy with a 1984 C-10 with a 3 speed column shifted with a 4.1L in it that just wanted the body and I got everything I needed for my 86 to put it back stock and a rebuild-able engine for my 84 since that was the last year for the I-6.

[integralstraightVI83]

Jb, from what I've read integrals were 75-84

Zieg,  I think it's awesome to try and keep 3 on the tree if it works out.  Keep us posted. 

[BBM3]

What a great truck.
Your truck deserves to be restored as original.

[jaredts]

Have you swapped grill and headlight buckets?  The style I see there looks like 85 up.

[jbsealy]

Sorry slow to reply, I've been out of town.

I'm going to try to keep the three on the tree.  If it doesn't work out, I'm probably going sbc and auto.  I can't bear to cut a hole in the floor for a floor shifter.

BBM3, I'm not sure when/if for full restore, in middle of Jeep CJ restomod.

jaredts, years ago the front of the truck was vandalized and the grille may have been changed then.  The truck is an 84.

zeig, you are a lucky man.  I think I can make this work.  I can drive it now. 

I'm going to lube all shifter parts as needed and replace what I can.  Plan to buy/have three speed rebuilt and freshen the ignition, possibly rebuild carb and then drive this sucker!

Thanks all, JS