Does anyone know how to remove the shift selector on a '93 F-150, E4OD??? I've got it completely loose but am stuck where the end goes into the swivel socket at the end of the selector. They used Grade 8 screws into aluminum pot metal and they gaul coming out. I'd like to release the the swivel socket end, but impossible to see how it's retained in the 90-degree socket housing. Working outside and freezing my "you-knows" off so a response would REALLY be appreciated. finlander42

 

I guess I don't completely understand your question. What was the problem to begin with that you are trying to correct? You are just trying to remove the shift lever that you grab to shift gears with?

There is a pin that just drops in that holds the lever on. Also there is a strong spring at the far end of the tube under the dash, held by two screws, I don't think that has to be removed to replace the shift lever. I'm no expert on this, but I did work on and replace the shift lever and correct other problems on my '94 with the E4OD transmission a month or so ago.

 

There is an inner shaft and an outer shaft. The outer shaft does the actual shifting into, and out of, the gears. That shaft has fractured and I need to remove it to fix it with JB Weld (I doubt if I'll ever fine another one). At the end of the shaft is a selector arm held on with two screws and they seize up in the pot metal housing until the star drive won't turn them any more. That selector arm goes into a 90-degree wobbly socket that goes straight to the transmission. I got one screw out with small vise-grips, but really not possible to get a grip on the other screw. I'm thinking if I could get the ball end out of the wobbly socket, I can pull the entire shifter arm out. Have NO idea how to release the ball end from the wobbly socket. Ideas???

 

I got the parts layout that the Ford garage gave me when I was working on mine. I think the part you need will be available from Ford. The Ford parts man showed me the shafts although I didn't need them. I just needed the screws, one had fallen out and the other one must have been loose and sheared off after the loose one fell out.

I assume you have the steering column dropped to have gotten as far as you have? If not that would really help. Kind of tough to remove the plastic stuff needed to drop the column in cold weather without breaking the plastic. I can't think of anything else now. Good luck with it.

 

I take it you're trying to fix a broken column shifter? Sorry your question/terminology isn't real clear at this end. The shift tube kits are available from Ford and Dorman, you won't be making a lasting repair with JB weld.

 

To 88n94 and JKNW: Thanks a million guys. I had no idea the levers and housings would still be available from Ford. Was planning the JB Weld as it seemed like the only alternative, short of going through the same process at a salvage yard. I'll be on it first thing in the morning and I much appreciate you both taking the time to tip me off. Cheers, Toivo

 

Them ball-and-socket ends just pry apart. Stick a screwdriver in there and it comes right off!