I have a 2005 Explorer 4x4 w/ 8 cl and automatic. The steering column shift shaft broke off this morning. I believe there is a problem with the pawl in the automatic transmission, sometimes it is very difficult to go from P (But the parking brake is never used and it is parked on an incline). It has IRS and LSD in the rear.

How do I find out if it has Sport Trac?

What steering columns are compatible with it? Will the F150 columns work?

 

That is exactly why you have a problem, parking on an incline with the NON use of the park brake, hangs the whole weight of the truck on the PARK PAWL, which is the size of a pencil eraser, never designed to do what you are asking of it........causing the shift lever to lock and constant reefing on it has stressed to the point of breakage.

 

You may be in luck. A guy in Sweden has manufactured a bunch of replacement shift lever components and there is a group buy going on here: *Group Buy* Gearshift Lever Replacement Parts - Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts "Serious Explorations"®
Otherwise you have to buy a complete steering column from Ford or a salvage yard.

Aquanaut is right, don't load up the parking pawl by not setting the parking brake before shifting into park. It's hard on the pawl and is probably the reason you broke the shift lever.

 

Thank you for that link. I should say that I am working on this vehicle for an elderly couple. The reason I included the info was so nobody would wonder why the lever was broken. I am also looking on ebay there are some pretty reasonable prices there too which is why I asked if there were other columns compatible with the explorer one from 05.

 

Thanks again, rrgone. I didn't make it in time for the group buy, but I ordered one anyway (@ +$10). Removing the old one was easier than I thought, just remove the upper column cover and pop off a piston connected to the shift cam, and pop the broken piece out.

 

rrgone, I am the owner of a shift lever like a few others, do you know how I can get in contact with someone who has access or is selling the replacement parts? Mine has been broke for about 4 or 5 months now. Was using vice grips for awhile, before using a bolt and tripple nut to hold the 2 pieces together. I know it is jerry rig fix, but I cant see the $873.00 price that Ford wants for a new shift colum. Just a simple question, How do you remove the shifter paw off of the end of the piece? ( http:// img.photobucket.com/albums/V6...r/img 9370.jpg )