Hello,

I usually hang out in the 61-66 and FE forums. I also own an 81 F100 with 300 cube 6 cylinder and 3 speed manual column shift transmission. My 18 year old is a new driver and this was his truck forr to and from school and work.

He broke the gear shift assembly at the shift tube. The collar on the shift tube that the shift handle inserts to is shearded off the shift tube. He obviously applied way too much. force. I'm very displeased with him about this because I think he was at the very least careless and at worst intentionally abusive. Has anyone else here had experirnce with this type of breakage on a three speed column shifter?

I'm doubtful that the collar on the shift tube can be welded back to the tube. The grain structure metal appears to be more like cast iron than steel. I'm thinking that either the whole column will need to be replaced or we will need to convert to a floor shifter.

In case we can repair the existing column, I'm trying to remove the part of the external steering column tube that the ignition switch fits into. There is a rod on top of the steering column that is engaged when you turn the ignition switch. This seems to be the only thing keeping me from removing the external steering tube that the ignition switch fits into. I have removed the ignition switch so that is not the problem. I have also removed the short piece of round stock that the ignition switch engages which pushes the longer aformentioned rod that runs the length of the column. So my question is, what do I need to do to remove the external steering tube that the ignition switch fits into.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

Cant answer your question but I think you are saying ignition swich when you are talking about the lock cyl, the switch is at the bottom of the column and the part you put the key into is the lock cyl. Just thought it might help to clarify for someone who knows how to get the column apart.

 

Bashby,

You are correct to understand that I'm referring to the ignition switch at the top of the cylinder (where you insert the key). I'm sorry for not knowing the correct names for some of the parts. Thank you for pointing out my need to clarify which part I'm referring to.

 

Is it the shifting colar or the tube itself that is broke?

Shifting Collar. Where the shift lever attaches (the part that you grab to shift the truck), and the shift tube slips into it at the bottom.

The shift tube goes from the shifting collar down the column into the engine compartment where the shift linkage and arms attach.

The shifting collars are nortorious for breaking. I had one on my 1972 with a Cruisomatic, shear off at the shift tube, like I think you are describing. Sounds like you just need to replace the shifting collar. Not very hard to do.

If it's the shift tube itself, the whole column needs to be removed from the truck to be rebuilt.

As for the rod, I think you are referring to the ignition lock to ignition switch rod. You need to disengage it from the ignition switch at the top-lower part of the column under the dash to remove that. You already have removed the lock cylinder it sounds like.

A Picture of the offending part would help visualise what actually needs to be done if possible.

 

Don't blame your son, blame FoMoCo. This is very common.

The shift collar is made from thin base metal and is notorious (as stated above) for snapping internally.

It was prolly cracked for months, then it finally broke when your son began driving the truck.

EOTZ-7228-D .. M/T Shift Collar / Obsolete

Fits: 1980/87 F100/150 & Econoline / No Ford Dealer or obsolete parts vendor has any.

It's possible this may be available at an autoparts store. The types used 1961/79 were.

 

81-F150_Explorer,

Thank you for the guidance. I lowered the steering column and released the ignition lock to ignition switch rod. However, that did not allow me to remove the part of the column that the ignition lock fits into. I'm thinking that maybe that part is not supposed to be removed.

So I figured that I would need to remove the whole column from the truck and hopefully slide the shift collar off the other end. I removed the bolts holding the column to the bottom of the dash assembly and the bolt at the bottom of the steering column (in the engine compartment) just below where the shift linkage attaches. I removed the ring that goes around the column inside the cab at the firewall and the 4 bolts holding the plate through which the steering column passes through. Having done these things the steering column still will not come free.

I have taken a couple pictures, but I don't have permission to post attachments. I will attempt to post them in my 66 F250 gallery.

Bill, as always your a great source of technical information. I'm not yet sure which part is actually broken. Maybe the pictures will help.

Thank you.

 

I created a new photo album "1981 F100 Steering Column" and placed a couple pictures of the column there.

 

The collar has an inner flange on it which slides over the shift tube, then the end of the shift lever fits into the hole in the shift tube.

The inner flange is connected to the outer portion of the collar with a 'bridge' of metal that surrounds the shift lever. This 'bridge' is the portion of the collar that usually snaps off.

 

Bill,

I appreciate your description of the collar and shift tube assembly. It's hard for me to tell which part is actually broken. I think the collar is what is broken. Where it is broken is right against the shift tube.

Assuming I can find a new collar, will I need to completely dissassemble the column to replace the old one? I went thru a similar process when I shortened the column on my 66 F250. However it has an automatic transmission. I found the reassembly of the column to be a reall challenge.

Do I need to remove the whole column to replace the collar? I don't see any way to slide the old collar off the column at the top of column because I cannot remove the part of the column that the ignition lock fits into. Therefore, I'm trying to pull the column so I can slide the shift collar off the bottom end. So far I have not figured out how to get the column freed up and out of the truck. The linkage that goes between the bottom of the column and the transmission is still connected to the column. I will search for the proper procedure for removing the column. Thanks again for you help.

 

I am having the same problem with the shifter tube, I was so glad to find the information you quoted here. I need to replace the flange (I think this is what is called) for the shifting of the gears. I'm not sure what part I need. I'm going to try to find the picture you posted in the album.

 

It's right here:

Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - 66_in_ky's Album: 1981 F100 Steering Column

 

does anyone know if it would be possible to modify an older collar to fit this model? my son has an 86 and we're having a similar issue.

 

I wonder if JBweld would be strong enough to hold that.....

 

i have the exact same issue. i just cant get the lock cylinder (part where the key goes) out either. i am not sure how to try and i dont want to break anything else. i can do this easily on my other trucks (92-97) but this one is fighting me hard core. any suggestions?

 

http://youtu.be/Bqc_ILUkx5o try this link it has some useful information about removing the shifter column as for removing the ignition cylinder first remove the turn signal electronics then you have to turn the key to the on position and then there is a little pin, that is located under the turn signal electronics switch, that you push with a small screw driver that will allow the ignition cylinder to be removed. Just pull on the cylinder after pushing the pin in