man you guys are great just joined site and in 15 minutes I have diagnosed my problem learned how to do repair and where to get my parts! Thanks!

 

COOL! Happy to hear that someone could make use of the pics and captions. Took a long dang time to write that stuff up.

 

I need to do this (as I'm sure everyone here does). Damn I was hoping it would be easier. *sigh*

 

EASIER? Dude, I provided all the pics and instructions! Sheez.

If you can change your oil, filter and fuel bowl filter you can do this. Believe me. Its no big deal.

Deep breath, positive attitude....it will be fun. I promise.

 

First, thank you fte for all the useful info you've given over the years hope i can give back for once. I had extreme slop in the shifter on my f250 as described above. I replaced the shift tube assembly twice, used loctite on the two torx head bolts in the back, and still had slop in the shifter. The final time I took it apart the spring in the shift tube fell out and I noticed the spring was worn. Took apart my old man's 03 f250 (only 30000mi) still tight shifter. Spring was originally about an inch long, mine was less than 1/2. Replaced the spring and bingo brand new feel. Hope this helps. Once again thanks.

 

Did as shown in post everything works except key switch does not read that key is removed and will not start.

 

Mr., you did not put it all back together correctly.

 

I just did this job for the second time. First was at 50k and now again at 70k. I assumed this was because I do a lot of plowing, but I know people with similar trucks that plow and have way more miles with no problems. I now know mine is way harder to shift than the others.
I disconnected the cable from the tranny to see if it was bound. The shifter is free and smooth. When I hook the cable back up it becomes very hard to shift. I was wondering if anyone has an idea of what would be binding at the tranny? If I don't fix it, I know I will be doing the shift tube over real soon.
Thanks for the help.

 

The problem is the TRS (Transmission Range Sensor.). It is the sensor on the driver's side of the trans where the shift cable attaches.

 

I was hoping that would be the case. Thank you Mark.

 

How do you fix it?

 

You get a new TRS and replace the bad one. A new TRS is about $40 at any auto parts store. They might call it an MLPS (Manual Lever Position Sensor ) or a NSS (Neutral Safety Switch.)

 

I am heading to the parts store after work to grab one. I will let you know how it works.
Thanks again.

 

That fixed it. Everything is smooth and free.
Thanks again

 

WOW that was fast! No pictures for us?