Hey there -

I'm thinking about converting my 3 on the tree steering column shifter to the Duffy 3-speed floor shifter. Sounds like a pretty easy install. For any of you have done this I have a couple questions:

Is everything you need in the kit included? I mean everything??? I don't want to start working on it to find out there is something else I will need to order after starting working on this. For example: The for the steering column: what replaces the part where the shifter currently is? Will I need to modify the steering column at all? Does this kit connect to the linkage easily? Do I need new parts there? Etc...

Also the Duffy kit come in either a J-Pattern or T-Handle transfer case. How do I know which is right for me? FYI I have a 72'. Here's what I'm looking at: http://www.jamesduff.com/eb/shifters.html (see "Duffy’s Original 3-Speed Shifter
")

THanks!

Not to rain on your parade, but why do you want to move the shifter to the floor? Other than a little bit of "cool factor" the floor shifters are generally sloppier than the column shifter AND the shifter is right where your right leg/knee wants to be (at least where my knee wants to be, YRMV). Take a look at the pic in #2122 and you can see how far over it suits in relation to the T-case shifter.

As for the column, you can replace the shift collar with one from a Ford truck/van with manual floor shifter.

As for T or J shift, '72 was the swap over year, so you could have either. You have to look at the existing shifter handle and if it has a push-button T handle on top, that's T-shift. If it has a ball and makes a reverse J pattern to shift it, that's J. In case an aftermarket shifter was installed, look at the shift rails where they come out of the T-case, J shift will have tabs on both inside edges, the T will have holes drilled in each and a sliding plate between the pins.

No comment on the specifics of the Duffs kit, but they are generally pretty good.
Joe

I've heard the opposite: that three on the tree is a common neusance and that there is good reason it was discontinued 30 years ago. And I don't see any coolness factor of shifting from the floor. I'm actually going to miss shifting from the tree. These decisions are tough when I get so many conflicting opinions. That said, I think it also means I can't go wrong either way!

Having driven numerous column shift vehicles, not just Broncos, I'll say I'm not a fan of them. My 66 I converted over to floor with a used kit back in the day and it was sloppy as all get out. However, the column shifter was even worse and I wasn't about to put the time and effort in to taking that slop out. My 69 was okay. The 72 is sporting Duff's transmission and transfer case shifters at the moment. Installed by a PO back in the day. Both of them rattle like crazy and have a fair amount of slop in them. But they do shift pretty well.

Having the shifter by my leg/knee doesn't bother me too much. I typically one hand the steering wheel and keep the other on the shifter knob or my knee, so a shift is never too far away.

Eventually, I'll be dropping a C4 back in the Bronco. When that happens, it will go back to a column shift.

There are a few aftermarket places out there that sell a column shift delete sleeve for those guys that want to clean up the column after going floor shifter. WH has a billet one for 85 bucks, if you are feeling spendy. But, as Joe says, you can probably score a slick one from the wrecking yard. Just keep your eyes out for a Bronco era van or truck with a floor shifter.

I swapped from the column shift to the floor shifter (probably Duffs, can't remember & I sold it a long time ago), before ending up with a NP435. My column shift was a sloppy mess and I thought the floor shifter was a dramatic improvement. I didn't mind where the floor shifter sat..

I just gave away my complete 3sp floor shifter for free. I wouldn't buy a new one (especially for $300). They are easy to find used.

It's confirmed that some people are happy and some are not with the floor shift.

One thing I know for sure is my column shifter is a POS. So I'm sorry, I can't really be swayed otherwise.

So back to my original question: Should the Duffy kit have everything I need... and I mean EVERYTHING? Just want to be sure of that.

I don't want to buy a used kit. I understand it can be cheaper but invariably from my experience, there is always something stupid missing or doesn't work when I buy something second hand. It's worth it to me to pay extra and know that I have everything I need, that nothing's been messed with, etc.

Thanks for all the help and opinions...

Yes, the Duff's kit has everything you need.

I have a tunnel cover you're welcome to if you want to save $50 (and order the kit w/o the tunnel cover). If you're on the front range up to Denver, I can drop it off when I make my Bronco Parts Delivery Run later this week.

My cover is also steel, not fiberglass.

That would be great! I'll take you up on that for sure - thanks so much!

Is the tunnel cover required? I'm wondering if I can install the floor shifter without it... even if that means adding it later. I am hoping to do the install this weekend.

The shifter went in today, pretty easily! Thanks jbregar for the tunnel cover.

Shifting is a million times better now. So glad I went to the floor! Also, the location of the shifter doesn't bother me at all.