my 1999 diesel is an automatic
so it is almost 15 years old!!

i noticed that my shift lever was very, very loose
in fact, to shift into 'Drive'
i was have to shift down into 2nd and then come back up to the 'D'
at times, i had trouble getting my shifter into PARK

i checked this forum 1st
and then checked 'U" tube for answers to this problem
i found a video that described in detail
how to replace the entire shift Rail

then i spied another video that
basically was a 'try this 1st' video

this is it:


it was fantastic!!!
it describes how 2 #30 starred bolts work loose
on a lever connected to the end of the shifter rail
this is all under the dash and attaches to the shift cable
which goes down into the transmission.

if one lays on one's back
one can easily reached these two bolts
with a socket w/o an extension and tighten these bolts!!
my bolts were backed out about 3/8"!!!!
i could easily see why it wasn't shifting right!!

this is what i did and it shifts like a new truck!!!

of course the main shift rod/rail will wear some
but it is more common for the above two bolts to work loose!!

i can only imagine what the mechanics at ford would have done
probably replaced the main rail etc.

feel like i have saved a bundle!!

iowa

 

Thanks for posting!

 

Thanks for taking the time to enter this post and finding the video. I had this problem, and of course I went to this forum for assistance. Bingo! Back in business in 15 minutes.
Thanks Again...