Operating a Columbia Rearend
 

The '47 Sedan I just bought has a Columbia in it with all the right controls. The guy I got it from didn't use the car much and wasn't super clear on how it operates. I've had a '56 F100 with the overdrive trans that worked with the pull out controls under the dash and downshifted by mashing the gas peddle. Just want to make sure I do all the proper steps with the Columbia so I don't screw something up. Thanks

Re: Operating a Columbia Rearend
 

HOW TO SHIFT the Columbia OVERDRIVE AXLE

The shift to either Overdrive or Standard ratio is
SEMI-AUTOMATIC. It is electrically controlled
and can be made at the will of the driver, ac any car
speed.

TO SHIFT TO OVERDRIVE

Pull knob out Depress OVERDRIVE selector, and holding it
in this position, release pressure on accelerator and
fully depress clutch pedal. Allow clutch to re-engage
gradually and smoothly, then release selector.

TO SHIFT TO STANDARD RATIO

Push knob in The shift is AUTOMATICALLY selected, and completed
by merely depressing clutch pedal to floor, and allowing clutch to re-engage gradually and smoothly.

NOTE: Before coming to a complete stop, when in overdrive ratio, push knob in, depress clutch pedal to floor to ensure a complete engagement of the axle into
the standard axle ratio.

The shift to either OVERDRIVE or STANDARD
ratio should always be made while car is in motion.
If a shift is attempted when car is not in motion, the
shifting clutch in the axle may not engage, resulting
in a ratcheting noise when the engine clutch is
engaged. To engage the axle, shift transmission
into reverse gear and partially re-engage engine
clutch.

Glenn

Re: Operating a Columbia Rearend
 

Suggest you get a couple of reproduction Columbia pamphlets. Such as the installation manual, parts manual and the Skyway Drive. Do make sure it is properly filled with 140W gear oil. There is a special procedure for filling. "Columbia Two Speed" is the place for parts, gaskets or seals.

Re: Operating a Columbia Rearend
 

47.s have a toggle switch to shift with. The suggestion above is a must, instruction pamphlets are available from most of the vendors.

Re: Operating a Columbia Rearend
 

First push the clutch in then flip the toggle switch and you’ll hear it change. Hold the toggle switch in the overdrive position until you let the clutch back out. All this is done with the car traveling in high gear around 40-50 mph. When coming to a stop or needing to shift out of overdrive,the overdrive will disengage automatically when the clutch is pressed. Never attempt to shift it unless the clutch is pressed. As others recommended, get a manual and follow the maintenance instructions.

Re: Operating a Columbia Rearend
 

In addition, at least for my '36, I shift it in and out slowly, that being, I wait for the engine rpm to idle down for a second or two. When a friend shifted my Columbia, he shifted it really fast like one would shift muscle cars of the 60s. It scared me to death, but it worked. I prefer to shift it a lot slower.

Also, with my 8ba, if I forget to drop out of overdrive when I come to a stop sign, like coming off the freeway, the 8BA, with at 3.54 rear end, is strong enough to move the car away from the stop sign, then I drop it down into direct.

Re: Operating a Columbia Rearend
 

Perhaps this will be of some help. I know it says to select overdrive then press the clutch to make the shift to overdrive but I have never liked the idea of the fact if it were to shift because the clutch switch failed it would make a mess out of it so I always play it safe and press the clutch first.

Re: Operating a Columbia Rearend
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...8&d=1703634800

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...9&d=1703634800

Re: Operating a Columbia Rearend
 

Thanks for the info. I'm going to order some of the manuals. I drove it on the freeway for the first time today. It needs the overdrive, seems to be pretty low geared, I would estimate 4:11 or higher.

Re: Operating a Columbia Rearend
 

So what happens if the overdrive is engaged in 3rd gear and then I were to shift to 2nd without clicking the switch off and disengaging? With SoCal freeway traffic, we can be going 70mph and then 10mph and then back to 60mph and my brain isn't getting any younger so it doesn't always learn new tricks right away.

Re: Operating a Columbia Rearend
 

If you need to downshift while in overdrive just press the clutch, it should kick it out of overdrive. Then if you still need a lower gear just shift it into second like normal.

Re: Operating a Columbia Rearend
 

Thanks Ken