I think I have solved the problem.  I took the steering column off and checked the 3 pieces inside the column.  The pieces seemed to be binding.  I cleaned inside the column and cleaned the 3-shifting pieces they seem to be working fine on the bench.  The column was twisted to the side not centering on the steering gear.  Probably stopping the shifting arm to bottom out.  Now I get to put it all back together.  It should work fine.  I appreciate the the help from everyone.  More eyes are always better.  Thanks Larry

Larry

I have a Suggestion for You. When You have taken it apart and figured out what Parts are worn and need to be replaced make a List of the "Basic" Numbers from the Illustration. For instance 7212 is the Shift Tube, 7303 and 7302 are Shift Levers . All Parts shown have a "Basic" #. Call Green Sales Co. who are probably the biggest Obsolete Ford Parts Dealer in the World. The # to call for assistance with looking up full Part #'s is 1-513-731-3304. Many Times original Part #'s have been replaced by newer Part #'s. The Parts Person at Green can tell You what they have in stock to repair your Column Shift. 60 Year old Shifter Parts are almost certainly worn and likely causing your Problem. Look up Green Sales Co online. Great Website.

  

Larry,

I do not have a 1956 Merc column .... But I have a 1960 T Bird factory 3 sp. overdrive. I swear the Ford used Merc column / gear box assemblies in the 58 - 60 Sq. Birds..... From looking at car shows & junk yards... they both used the tube in column set up.
When I went thru my column... check the key slots on the two shifter arms in the column # 7302 $ 7303 & the welded on tab on the tube for wear. Even check the tab up on top where your shift lever arm engages the tube. Plus as mentioned all external arms , adjusters , bushings for wear. All the worn parts can stack up to lots of slop. I made my own new nylon bushings for the trans & shift rod arms & welded up & resized parts as needed..... Not the best column linkage engineering from FOMOCO......

Mike

The transmission ends have nylon bushings in them and seem fine.    I appreciate the exploded view thanks.  I haven't been able find column shift thrust washers for a 56 Mercury but can find them for a 65 ford   (C5TZ-7D363-B and C9TZ-7336-A and D2TZ-7336-A).  They look the same The bushings for the top of the shift rods show they will fit a 57 Ford C3TZ-7343-A and may work and C5TZ-7343-A fits 65 pickup.  But nothing for a 56 Mercury or Ford.  Has anyone used these parts as replacement?  Thanks again.  Larry

Larry

Ford and the Merc columns are so different. I wish I could help more. On the Ford the shift linkage is a rod that runs on top of the column. Only thing a can say is to check the trans end of the shift rods, mine were worn at the ends where they enter the shift tabs on the trans. They were worn 3/4 way thru, I welded up the rod ends and all is well, the way they were worn I was loosing about 5/16 inch of travel at the trans tab.  Also at the top of the rod on the Ford there is a rubber bushing, if worn or missing that will add some more play.

I would check the linkage at the trans.

Oldmics

I  have a 56 Mercury with a 3-speed overdrive and having trouble with the column shift.  first and reverse work pretty well but I haven't been able to adjust the shift rod for second and third so it will go into gear all the way.  I can get get second or third but not both.  Does anyone have a exploded view of the parts inside the column?  I haven't had one apart but will probably have to take it out.  Are there any kits or replaceable parts inside the column?  Any help would be appreciated.  I haven't been able find a search bar on any forum.  Thanks Larry

Larry