is it possible (or advisable) to remove the shift lever?
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2012
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is it possible (or advisable) to remove the shift lever?
I have a 1964 F100 with the 4 speed manual transmission. In first gear, the shift lever hits the dashboard and makes it difficult to get fully into gear. I'd like to get it in a vise and put a little bit more of a bend in it. Can this be done, or is it not advisable to remove this part? I can't really see a way to do this with it in place.
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2012
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From: Ada, Michigan
A previous owner of my truck had converted to a Hurst three speed floor shifter. The shift lever in first gear was so close to my leg that I could barely get my knee up past the steering wheel to hit the brakes when lifting my foot. I removed the two bolts holding the shift lever and heated it with a propane torch (the only torch I have) and was able to bend it quite easily. Now I have plenty of room for my 6'3" self to operate the pedals.
Dave
Dave
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 8,062
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From: Central Oregon
Pull the boot off and see what kind piece that is holding the shifter in the trans, I have one Ford truc that the cap is screwed on and when unscrew, cap slips up and the shifter comes right out. My other twotrucks the cap is sring loaded, you push down and turn the cap and then slip the shifter out.
But I agree with C G B, look at the rest of the truck, frame mounts and trans mounts to see if something else is the cause.
But I agree with C G B, look at the rest of the truck, frame mounts and trans mounts to see if something else is the cause.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Simi Valley, CA
1961/64: Only 4 speed available: Warner T-98, the shift lever retainer cap (8MTH-7220) threads on/off.
Once the cap is removed, a roll pin is visible within the threads that retains the shift lever in place.
Same cap used with Warner T-18 4 speed introduced in 1965.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
New Process 435 4 speed also intro'd in 1965. Shift lever retainer cap (B8T-7220-D) has two notches...is retained by two pins that protrude from shift tower.
This cap is 'spring loaded' .. must be pressed down and held down while turning it to remove it.
Once the cap is removed, a roll pin is visible within the threads that retains the shift lever in place.
Same cap used with Warner T-18 4 speed introduced in 1965.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
New Process 435 4 speed also intro'd in 1965. Shift lever retainer cap (B8T-7220-D) has two notches...is retained by two pins that protrude from shift tower.
This cap is 'spring loaded' .. must be pressed down and held down while turning it to remove it.
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Junior User
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Great info, thank you for all the replies. Will try this today. 6:11am and I've been up since 3:30 with an awful toothache but will update with my progress.
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From: colbert washington
When you remove the shift lever remember to have the trans in neutral. This makes it alot easier to get it back in the proper place.
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2012
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Thanks for all the help! It came right out, and I wrapped it in some thick cloth, put it in my vise, more cloth on the other end, then slipped a pipe over it and put a bend in it. I got home all happy and proud of myself and read this:
...and was like "oh jeez, now I won't be able to get it back on. 
But I got it.
Thanks again!
But I got it.Thanks again!
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