Usually people want to swap there 3 on the tree for an aut trans. Well, I am doing the exact opposite. I want the 3 speed in my van. I need to make up a list before I go out to a huge junkyard at the end of this month.
I so far have:
-3 speed steering collumn
-3 speed trans with overdrive
-Linkages
-Clutch
Is that all? Or is there something missing?

Driveshaft maybe?.. My interchange books don't have any info for the driveshafts on the pre-73 vans (kinda stupid since they go back to 65),,,, so I don't know if there's a big difference between the manual and auto vans. On the 73-74 vans, there's only a slight difference in driveshaft length between the manual and auto vans.

I like the 3 in the tree too. And have also considered this swap.

I think you have everything covered. One thing I would highly recommend is once you get all the parts, take apart your steering column and replace the bearings, bushing and nylon spacers. I'm not sure but they are probably the same parts that fit a late 60's thur late 70's F-100. While you're at it, inspect the shift tube and make sure the hole (where the shifter attaches) is not egg shaped. If it is, fill it with a mig welder, then re-drill it to the correct size. Also, check to make sure the metal tab is still solidly welded to the tube. If you decide to rebuild your shift tube assembly and are not to sure of the parts, shoot me an email and I can measure the bearings, bushings etc from my F100 to see if they are the same. LMC Truck is a good place for the bearings, spacers etc. I'm pretty sure FORDIFICATION has a tutorial on rebuilding a shift column for a mid 60's truck.. good pics!

Randy B

I love my three on the tree! It gives the van a much older feel and makes it so different from modern vans. Plus, I just like shifting