1968 F600 Gearshift Part Missing

[Steve Hodgin]

I drive a 1968 Ford 600 series truck which was once a moving van. There is a keeper type cap which should clamp down on the gearshift and hold it in place but the assembly is missing so once in a while it comes out, often locking it in first gear which can be a real nuisance in traffic or on a steep hill. I would like to have a parts list and diagram so I can know the name of the part or parts I need and would appreciate any info about where to buy said parts. It is a 330 motor and 5 speed with split rear end
 

[ericlb]

steve are you talking about the kind of bell shaped thing with the spring under it that has notches in it when you put it on you push down and twist to lock? in other words right now you can just pick the stick up out of the transmission? i would check around older garages and transmission shops most have a pile of old donner parts transmissions that or a wrecking yard, you can try the dealer, but if he's like most of them if the truck is more than 2 years old they couldnt care less what you need
 

[Dennis Benson]

Try posting on http://www.junkyarddog.com I had luck there with a 1975 GMC windshield wiper arm and crank that goes in the cowl. Junk yards that have the part will get back with you.
 

[Steve Hodgin]

That is exactly the parts I am missing and yes the gearshift will lift out of the tranny. The bell shaped part was worn out when I bought the truck. The ears were broken off. Once in a while the shifter will lift out if I am not careful and it will lock in first or reverse. If that happens I have to get a long screwdriver and a flashlight and align the transmission into neutral again by determining which gear is out of place. I am getting good at it but it is not something to be so proud of. I would be more proud of a new part!!! I have checked all the local parts places and tranny shops.