Anyone have experience with shift tube not engaging with shift rod that connects to transmission? 1970 F 250 AT.

 

It has been years since I had that problem, but if IIRC it is usually the shift collar that needs replaced, I belive not long ago someone posted they were still available from ford.

 

I did replacing the collar, because it did break, but when I put the new collar on, the shift tube is still not engaging and just spins freely. I took the enitre streering collumn apart once before, and think there was a spring at the lower part of the shift tube and also that it had to be lined up a certain way - just cannot recall exactly. Trying to avoid taking the whole thing apart again, but will start with taking the shift tube out and go from there.

 

I have been trying to get the shift tube situation fixed but something is still not right. Does anyone have a way to look at a photo of one of these shift tubes? I am wondering if mine might have a problem with it. On the shift collar there is a groove that looks as though a corresponding key on the shift tube should possibly go into, but the key is not there. I can get the lower half on the shift tube engaged (also has a key) but it just pops back out because of the spring, and there seems to be no way for it to stay in place, even with the shift collar and upper bearing installed. Is it possible that a key might have broken off the upper part of the shift tube?

Thanks.