How To Drive a Three On The Tree "The Right Way!"

[@brendonmanship8854]

I bought a 1970 f100 over an hour from home and hadn't ever driven a manual before. I've seen your videos for years and this video literally was why I could get it home.

[@marcellodepaolo9386]

I love my 1970 Chevy C/10 3-on-the-tree! No A/C, no power steering, all drum brakes, longbed, but really fun to drive behind that 350! Bought that truck back in 2015 when I was 17, and 5 years later, still runnin great! Glad they don't make em anymore, makes them more rare, but VERY hard to find parts!

[@ramvanbobby3889]

Three on the tree is the best in my opinion what a simple little pickup to learn

[@Thecraig909]

Yea it’s also a very cool skill to have since there are so few around.

[@midos67channel24]

@@Thecraig909 Not only that... but it looks cool to be shifting gears... it impresses a girl when you take her on a date and while you are driving you are shifting gears on your car or truck.

[@65f100352]

nothing new to this old man, I've been driving them for years! But very well explained and great camera angles! Great job! It took me forever the first time I tried to drive one of these. No one explained it to me! I just kept moving the shifter until I hit the right gear! LOL

[@Thecraig909]

Man you have no idea how hard that made me and my buddy laugh when we read you just slamming it into gear until you got the right one😂 thats was really great! Thanks for the feedback hahah. Great comment.

[@midos67channel24]

The really cool advantage of having a manual transmission vehicle is that most car thieves only know how to drive automatics. So owning a 3 on the tree or any stick shift vehicle can be a great theft deterrent

[@danieldubia721]

I’m in love with the sound of this truck

[@1966johnnywayne]

Well, you did have built in anti-theft. Nice truck bud. I drive a new F150...I'm envious of yours.

[@davidgrisez]

Since I am close to 70 years old, I remember these 3 speed manual transmissions with a shift lever on the steering column. In my young years my parents had a 1966 Rambler American with a three speed column shift with over drive. So a long time ago I did get to drive a three speed column shift car.

[@oscarcabarcas5434]

Love the vid!!! I just picked up a 1969 Ford 100 Ranger. Despite driving stick all my life had never heard of 3 on the tree. Cant wait to get the tags and take it for a spin.

[@davidwilliams9450]

3 speed on the column was the standard transmission on many trucks and cars in the 1960's into the 70's......A generic term for a vehicle with a manual transmission was a 'standard transmission'

[@ronaldnorris2179]

You must be young, they were very common when I was growing up.

[@jr42a1]

Ive had a few and they really are super easy.Just don't see em anymore unless in older vehicles. The pattern truly makes sense with the reverse.They had it well planned out back in the day.

[@onionman512]

i would be that guy who throws it into reverse on a launch...

[@Thecraig909]

You’re not alone bud it happens.

[@austinwilkosz3236]

Love the American flag on the roof, painted on, magnet or something else?

[@MaxAC]

Stop teaching people how to steal my car.

[@heavy_ang_patay]

The best anti theft system in America.

[@kashtheyoutubeguy9807]

That's Not Teaching People How To Steal Your Car People Don't Even Know What Your Car is

[@finncampeau4922]

Kash The KZbin guy r/woooooooooooosh your acc dumb

[@heavy_ang_patay]

@@Alexander-jr8nw I thought most people in Europe know how to drive manual.

[@heavy_ang_patay]

@@Alexander-jr8nw well said. In Philippines, only rich people drive automatics. I do see a few Mitsubishi trucks with the column shifter. I once ridden in one to get home due to my car broken down and had to leave it in a parking lot for the night.

[@richard_lerma_jr]

Bro thanks for the schooling bro I needed it even though I got a stick shift and not a 3 on the tree I still learned thanks.

[@Thecraig909]

Glad you took something from it man!

[@richard_lerma_jr]

Thecraig909 He'll yea bro thanks

[@ToyotaandDodgeGarage]

I have a 1976 Dodge Ramcharger 3 on the tree. Sure are fun to drive! Thank you for doing this video. You taught me a few things.

[@christiansoldier1968]

I'm not a Ford guy, but I really like your truck, and the way it sounds. She is a keeper.

[@leebuck180]

cool video, at near the 7 minute mark when you accelerated then decelerated in second gear, WOW! great sounding exhaust pipes. I learned to drive a three on the tree in a 1969 mercury cyclone in 1986 with 351W and sweet sounding pipes! thank you for reminding of some fond memories.

[@Thecraig909]

Thank you! I’m glad I could’ve brought those memories back for you. I didn’t know cyclones had a three on the tree option. Thanks for the info!

[@Machi74005]

Cale Yarborough special

[@TheFoxShop]

Let's lobby to bring back the Three On The Tree shall we? :-)

[@redtra236]

Doubt it will happen because there isn't really a point unless you have bench seats plus with only 3 gears you're gonna run at higher revs which means less mileage. They did make some 4 and 5 speeds on the column for a while which would be more likely to come back but since bench seats are mostly a thing of the past I doubt it, especially since the linkage being longer has often lead to reliability issues.

[@Machi74005]

There is a reason they do not use them anymore. Fuel mileage has a lot to do with it. Most of them were in pickup trucks and 1st gear was usually too high and 3rd gear wasn't high enough.

[@B1Springfield]

They could do it with a borg Warner overdrive setup like back in the day. The truck ratios for ford were 2.97, 1.75, 1, and .70. Very similar to the 4R70W automatic.

[@Terminxman]

@@Machi74005 1st gear was usually too low.

[@peteshelby21]

The Fox Shop Milenials would attempt to shift it with their phone through snap chat , facegram or instabook

[@henrytaylor3049]

I've got an 84 f150 with a 300 i6, and 3 on the 🌴. Everyone thinks it's the coolest thing. I had, a 1970 with a 390 V8 with the same 3 on the 🌴. Thing I love about the 84 f150, it's got power steering and power brakes. Hearing your truck makes me wish I had a spunky little 289 V8. Cool truck you got burh👍

[@rockfangd]

Loved this video. Thank you. Manuals are the best. Like the truck as well.

[@jimmyedwards1992]

My old truck was setup exactly like this one. Short bed, 302, 3 on the tree, 9 inch with open 3.50 gears. And side pipes that sounded exactly like this. It was a 76 though.

[@Thecraig909]

Yea that’s literally my truck just a different body haha.

[@breakoutbirmingham4177]

Very very helpful. Just bought a 1963 Ford Econoline pickup that we hope to convert into a flower truck. Been driving automatic trans my whole life so it's a doozy learning this. This video helps a lot, thank you!

[@johnsonjohnson8133]

My grandpa just gave my brother his 66 bronco, so this is real helpful on how to drive a three on the tree

[@GreggsonWong]

Best 3 on the tree tutorial I have seen. Thank you for making the video..🤙

[@genisbibin8292]

This video was Freakinnn amazing Broh :) I Loved it so much. No one could have explained it better that your Tutorial. 👌Finally I got how GEARS were shifted on Vintage Cars. Great Work😍😃

[@michaeljohn8905]

That’s awesome thinking of it like a 4 on the floor but turned. Never thought of it like that. Great teaching.

[@mjdoug44]

Man that thing has an awesome sound!!

[@HBButler01]

You just demonstrated/explained Rev Matching in a way that made me understand it perfectly! Also made showing 3 on the Tree seem super straightforward😄Keep up the awesome work!

[@lisafisher7132]

This is such a great tutorial! Good info for someone learning any stick, as far as clutching goes.

[@tooterturtle7849]

I learned to drive with a 65 F100 3 on the tree !

[@chrisclowers3204]

Great vid! But I learned Many years ago how to drive a 3 on the column I was about 13 or 14 back then and learned by instruction and driving my grandfather's 1967 ford f100 pickup he taught me to drive In that very truck and to this day I still vividly remember it and driving that old 3 on the column

[@B1Springfield]

Now all you got to do is shift into neutral, let off the clutch, rev match, reapply the clutch, and shift to gear, and you’ll be double clutching lol.

[@ronmailloux9370]

the old three on the tree has rocked me out of mud holes and snow many times....in my old chev pickup

[@cclapew]

I was taught to shift a 3 speed using the palm of my hand just like you shifted from first to reverse when you first started to explain how to shift... I was taught to never grab the shifter.... nice foot work with the peddles!!!

[@Thecraig909]

Thank you for the feedback. I’ve never seen that way, interesting. I just taught myself to grab it so I can be certain of what gear I’m always in. Just how I’ve done it. Thanks again for the feedback.

[@earlleebronc]

Earned a subscriber. I've always driven standard trans but never a "on the tree" Not so scared of it now.

[@Thecraig909]

Thank you man! Glad it helped

[@earlycuyler346]

Not all vehicles are the same as that one. Mine is a '67 with a low geared tranny. High speed is 35 MPH. You don't need to gun that motor so much. I have been driving one for 37 years.

[@spencerrink9767]

This is the video that taught me to drive standard 😅❤

[@leonardlacasse3730]

That was fun thanks man, always heard about the 3ott, I drive 5spd floor.. now I know the tree. Cool !

[@rickrichter9445]

Ugh! Oh how I WISH this video had existed 35 yrs. ago! My Dad was incapable of explaining ANYTHING. I learned to drive a standard transmission in a F-100 like that one! Sucked.

[@wyattnyfeler7270]

lol

[@ronaldnorris2179]

Good theft deterrent!!!! Not many people these days could drive one..I’m an old fart, grew up with these. I’ve seen a 61 galaxy that had 4 speed on the column, with shifter in neutral you pulled a lever under the dash for reverse, push the lever back in and first gear would be where reverse is on 3 on the tree.

[@jackpalmer2948]

Thank you! Just got a1965 Chevy c10 . This helped me 🙏🏻

[@jq747]

Man, if I drove that truck, I'd feel like king of the road =)

[@64fordproject63]

Thats Awesome, my 64 Ford F100 had a three on the tree. then the linkage broke so we cut a hole in the floor and stuck the shifter in the floor. I wish it still had the three on the tree.

[@Thecraig909]

Yea there are days I want to do just that because linkage binds up and whatnot. But I know i feel like I’ll miss it when I go to a five speed

[@michaelduke4500]

My dad always said, if you can drive a three on the tree, you can drive anything. He was so correct!!! I still drive a manual Tacoma to this day, but sorry to say it's getting harder to find a vehicle with a manual trans.

[@glxxyz]

I've been driving the same manual car for 14 years and I never need the gas pedal rev-match on upshifts, just shift at the right speed so that the revs drop the right amount ;) I rev match shifting down of course. Great video, thanks, I'd love to drive a 3 on the tree!

[@williamcopeland9087]

I rarely Rev match on downshifts. I normally just brake until I need to push the clutch in to go to neutral, then select the right gear at the right speed. I don't jerk or cause the rpms to jump, I just know my gearbox and I'm just driving normally I guess. I don't drive slow but I don't have a lead foot.

[@williamcopeland9087]

When I'm in an absolute hurry then I will Rev match because I need my car to stay in its power band

[@glxxyz]

Yeah rev matching is really more for driving like a racecar. I moved to the country and bought a 4x4 F-150 so manual transmission is sadly just a memory now.

[@dreamingcode]

So nice he changed to floor shifter lol. Love em either way

[@edwardsgarage7427]

They need to bring back the three on the tree lol

[@Thecraig909]

I would love to see a new concept for it honestly.

[@Bossrich6287]

@@Thecraig909 that's why i need to buy a old ford before they're all gone.

[@kylegrizzard4163]

Imagine a bunch of riced out civics with 3 on the tree 😂

[@joseespinoza6672]

I guess this is the channel where I learn more

[@kelseythomas9279]

I learned to drive stick shift in a 59 Ford galaxie best car I ever owned

[@randysherman8878]

Good video ! Nice truck as well !

[@johnathanwilliams7805]

I'm so jealous of your ride. Looks so clean. I have an 84 F150 and the engine bay is just chaotic due to the feedback carburetor and ignition system.

[@ryantyniec1081]

Great video! Never thought about keeping my clutch foot "stiff" like you described, I'll give it a shot next time I get my hands on a manual car. Oh and btw awesome truck you got, can't find many rust free examples in Pennsylvania!

[@Thecraig909]

Thank you for the feedback! And yea we’re super lucky over here. My truck is actually really bad for California rust with bad drip rails and bad floors.

[@Z3CHYD]

Ryan Tyniec you’re definitely right! Im fromPA and have a 71 f100 and the old girl is rough, but still runs lol

[@dillanmistry]

Dam i never knew how it worked, thanks man

[@marcoo210]

Thanks a lot man, i’m trying to but this 64 manual Bel Air and i think this will help a lot!!

[@Machi74005]

A lot of folks on hills would do one of 2 things, either rev'r up real big and slip the clutch or rev'r up and dump the cutch fearing the roll back which could result in barking the tires.

[@gwilled_cheese_882]

Great vid love how the truck sounds

[@Thecraig909]

Thank you much appreciated!

[@londonghoulchannel6409]

Been driving British manuel's, gonna be picking up a 50s caddy and I really dont want to destroy the gearbox, this video really has helped, and tips or advice would be appreciated

[@Reploid_Zero]

great video

[@dom1008]

Thank you. I bought a 1966 mustang for 3000$ for my sweet 16 and I restored it.

[@KanjoNights]

I'm fairly certain I won't ever have to put this knowledge to use, but I'm glad to have it. Nicely done. Also, I just noticed I'm wearing the exact same shoes! Those are Nike SB Check Solar's lol

[@YManCyberDude]

Very well done.

[@motodipper8429]

Yo I been in that situation before but I haven't done anything I haven't even stall it at all and it was my first time doing that

[@7elo7him7]

Do you have to put it in neutral at a stoplight? Then shift ur gears

[@moneywelder]

I learned how to drive in a 1972 Ford F100. I was 10, and my dad would tell me I was driving home. Back in the 70s the police were easy to deal with. It wouldn't happen these days

[@theantichrist6524]

Good video

[@ramvanbobby3889]

I enjoyed this video that's fun Craig 😀

[@Thecraig909]

Thank you!!

[@BountyHunterLetsPlaysOnGoogle]

Already know how to, thanks to a 68 C10. Funnest thing to drive, its a shame I couldnt keep it.

[@Thecraig909]

I hope you get another one someday.

[@rogerbeavers2149]

Nicely done video. I thought I was watching the chase seen from the movie Bullitt a few times. 👍

[@WMackbd]

You're my favorite 'Supernatural' character.

[@glxxyz]

10:30 I would have failed my UK driving test for doing that little roll back (at least that's what my instructor told me). Hill start facing up-hill is so much easier on the clutch with the parking brake hand-operated.

[@jscott1000]

modern cars have a "hill hold" feature that holds the brakes for 2 seconds to give you a chance to get on the gas. Old American cars have the foot brake that make that difficult.

[@KaiserBruh]

I like how I've been subbed for like 2 years and thus is barely happening lmao. Hey better late than never. Also I love the fact that after a gear you don't rev the engine as you are letting of the clutch good job (that burns the shit out of the clutch)

[@Thecraig909]

Yea I cringe when i ride with people that do that lol.

[@jscott1000]

You really don't need to give it much gas if any. I can drive my 2014 Chevy from first through about 4 gear without ever touching the gas just off idle.

[@d-swank7599]

I still run the 3 on the tree in my 69 behind a 390. Anti theft and fun to drive.

[@markofraire7031]

where did you get your steering wheel?

[@MoparGirl_IndaKitchen]

Dang he's sawin' at that tree pretty good lol

[@DarknessSlayer3]

Great Vid. I enjoyed it

[@Speeddemon3]

3 on the tree and manual steering. This is when trucks were actual trucks!!

[@slick1ru2]

My old work truck in the 70s.

[@georgemoschak493]

at first i was confuzed on how he was explaining to us how it was a h pattern on the shifter, until I saw the H and then i was like "oooohhh" Can we bring back the three on the tree?

[@danielkleinrok8850]

Thank you I just bought a 49 ford vert and when it gets here I don't want to mess it up

[@Coronet_shop]

First comment but bad news craig my 72 selling for hospital bills but hopefully my gf can take it and learn three on tree

[@Thecraig909]

That’s really a bummer man but hey you can always buy another truck but you can’t get another you. Take care of yourself bud.

[@biffmoorehed7842]

I'm good. I've been driving a 3 speed column shifter for 35 years. You pop mine into 2 gear going over 35 and you'll ruin the transmission.

[@carsonmeyer1772]

I drove my buds truck with three on the tree and it was extremely easy. Pretty much the same as the floor

[@Thecraig909]

Yea it is just turned 90 degrees

[@carsonmeyer1772]

Thecraig909 it's fun driving on the tree though. Not many of them around

[@P7777-u7r]

You have an old truck with a working parking brake? Nice!

[@ATVmaniac50]

P77777777 😂my 84 dodge w100 parking brake is non-existent. Have to leave it in gear everywhere even flat ground.

[@redtra236]

I got mine fixed on my 66' ford it's normally not hard to fix. On a manual transmission vehicle it's an absolute must to me. Plus it's called an emergency brake for a reason. On pre-1967 vehicles with single bowl master cylinders if you lose a brake line you completely lose your brakes, however pulling the E brake can still be used to slow down.

[@willk4034]

is that a momo retro wheel?

[@Machi74005]

To speed shift a 3 in the tree, you should hold the shifter down close to the steering column. That results in much less radius motion with your arm and hand; otherwise, it becomes easier to miss 2nd gear.

[@reidbarnes9851]

When I took driver's ed, one of the girls in the class was not good at driving a stick shift. We had a stick shift car and a street that had about 17 stop signs on it. The poor thing would kill that car at least three or four times at every stop sign. A long drive

[@Thecraig909]

Man I’ve ridden with people like that before. Really feel bad for the driver and the car.

[@orangepickel2]

3 to the tree old standard some 1960's Japanese imports had 5 On the tree. Like the Toyota Stout 1 ton.

[@guyguy381]

Any recommendations on how to tighten up mine? My shifter is super loose and sloppy

[@anthonytomb8857]

Thanks for the video it was really helpful

[@Thecraig909]

Awesome I’m glad man thank you!

[@codywaters4565]

What kind of exhaust are you running?

[@1982js1998jj]

Can you tell me what transmission you are using?

[@RandomNamewrx]

Nice vid. That was sick 🔥

[@Thecraig909]

Thank you!

[@RandomNamewrx]

Thecraig909 your welcome bud

[@84400]

cool vid. I really like the three on the tree and it is something most people seem to know very little about. I wish the ld 3 speeds were stronger. I know you have bigger plans for an OD trans t5? t56? zf5? but I think the truck will loose something that makes it really cool. But then again as someone who drives an old non OD truck on the highway everyday I get wanting an overdrive!!

[@killer97shaw]

Ok I kinda thought all trucks/cars have the same shift pattern and now I know

[@b_gottschalk]

Where’d you get that instrument cluster panel? Love by the shaved look with the mirrors btw

[@colinblevins9964]

Do you have assisted steering ?

[@DoubleJ1203]

No tach on mine. I pretty much shift from first to second at 25. Then to 3rd at 30-35.

[@life.of.ado.trades]

Great Video Brotha :D Now When Can I Drive Your Truck ;p

[@americanbullets488]

Great vid!

[@Thecraig909]

Thank you!

[@zombie95xx]

I have to give mine a good amount of throttle or it will stall

[@jscott1000]

Been driving manual transmissions for over 40 years but never driven 3 on the tree. One of these days I'd like to.