shifter help

[72 F-250]

I have a 72 F-250 automatic (C-6). The shifter on the column does not work. The linkage from the bottom of the column to transmission is all hooked up and will shift gears manually. I have a new shift collar to install and was hoping that someone could help me with how to change out the collar. I have the original shop manuals and they are of no help on this topic.

[heep70]

and to the site. You live not to far from me. If you get the chance visit the :welcome mat" and intro yourself and your ride. Post some pics too, we like pics.

I have a manual, am sure someone here will help you in detail. So hang in there.

[72 F-250]

I thank you for the welcome and hope that someone can help.

[FORDification]

Take a look at the How to Shorten Your Manual-Steering Column tutorial. There are some good pictures there of a disassembled steering column that should prove helpful. It's really not that difficult. Once you remove the steering wheel you should see this:



The yellow arrows point to the turn signal switch screws. Remove them and the turn signal switch.



Then remove the two nuts you see there. These hold the shift collar to the shift tube. The heads of the bolts that the nuts are threaded onto are simply hooked into holes in the shift tube:



The bolts are simply held into those holes by thick grease, which will hold them enough to slide the new shift collar back down over the top of them and to re-install and tighten the nuts.

Of course, once you have the old shift collar out you'll want to remove the shift indicator and the shift lever & spring and install on the new collar. These pictures were taken when the center shaft was out, but it's the same procedure.

Hope this helps.

[72 F-250]

Thank you very much for the pictures and information. I will let you know how it turns out.

[72 F-250]

Thank you for the info. The new shifter collar is on and works great. It took a couple of days because that project got put on the back burner. I however could use a little more advice. The lever at the base of the steering column for the neutral safety switch is broken. I found a new switch but cannot get the remainder of the old switch out. My question is does the steering column need to be removed to change this lever?

[67effie]

The column won't need to be completely removed just un bolt the 2 bolts at the bottom of the dash and drop the column down. This will give you enough room to remove the broken one and install a new one.

[rjewkes]

Good to know that you only had a bad shift collar. I actualy had a bad centershaft. and shift collar.

[19674x4]

that boys and girls is why i like my 4 on the floor., no confusing stuff in the wheel column.






MANUALS RULE

[72 F-250]

Thank you for the help on the switch. I did get it changed and the truck back on the road.

[flyboy2610]