and the pin is tight as well as the entire linkage.
C6 shift selector issue
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Tuned
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 417
Likes: 24
From: Greeneville TN USA
C6 shift selector issue
My 1977 F250 suddenly developed a problem with the shift selector. It will not go into the 1 position, and will barely go to the 2 position. Neutral reverse and park are completely normal as is the function of the transmission otherwise. I see nothing interfering with the linkage. Any clues from this knowledgeable bunch?
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 247
From: Stanley, VA
More than likely the shift socket has started to crack. That's what Ford calls it. Most people call it the shift collar. It's the piece the gearshift lever fits into.
Cracking is a very common problem. They're a bit of a pain to change but not too bad.
Cracking is a very common problem. They're a bit of a pain to change but not too bad.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Applications: 1965/77 F100/350 / 1973/77 Bronco & Econoline.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,748
Likes: 2,587
From: The Shenandoah Valley
My 1977 F250 suddenly developed a problem with the shift selector. It will not go into the 1 position, and will barely go to the 2 position. Neutral reverse and park are completely normal as is the function of the transmission otherwise. I see nothing interfering with the linkage. Any clues from this knowledgeable bunch?
I replaced mine last year, made a chart of all the wires in connector before taking apart. I also slacked the pinch bolt under the hood to let me get some extra room. Also broke NSS tab and had to get a new one to snap in.
All in all .... it was not "fun" ..... just tedious and time consuming ..... but not hard either.
There's a thread here where I wrote about my experience. There are others.
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Tuned
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 417
Likes: 24
From: Greeneville TN USA
Thanks for the replies. I just checked the shift collar and pin. no cracks and the pin is tight as well as the entire linkage. I may not have been clear, the selector will not move past the "2". It seems to come against a solid stop. Tomorrow I will disconnect the linkage from the lever on the trans, as it acts to me like the problem is there. I'll report back.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
The pot metal shift collar has an internal bridge that connects it to the shift tube. Over time it develops cracks, eventually the bridge snaps off.
Now you're not going anywhere, as the collar is no longer connected to the tube.
This same problemo affects ALL A/T & 3 M/T shift collars of every FoMoCo vehicle, not just these specific trucks.
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Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Stanley, VA
Here's a clearer picture of what Bill is talking about.
These pieces were die cast from a very weak "pot metal" and the part of the casting that bridges between the inner and outer parts will crack. This is a progressive problem and when it finally breaks completely, like Bill said, you're not going anywhere unless you get up under the hood and work the linkage manually.
These pieces were die cast from a very weak "pot metal" and the part of the casting that bridges between the inner and outer parts will crack. This is a progressive problem and when it finally breaks completely, like Bill said, you're not going anywhere unless you get up under the hood and work the linkage manually.
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Tuned
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 417
Likes: 24
From: Greeneville TN USA
This was certainly an abject lesson at felling stupid. The linkage was bumping against the inside edge of the exhaust pipe. It appeared to have sufficient clearance when I was under the truck yesterday!
I apologize for the trouble. And yes, having worked on Fords for about 60 of my 74 years, I have seen a lot of the linkage problems. I have always preferred the Ford standard shift linkage over others, and used to build floor shifts out of them. Thanks again.
I apologize for the trouble. And yes, having worked on Fords for about 60 of my 74 years, I have seen a lot of the linkage problems. I have always preferred the Ford standard shift linkage over others, and used to build floor shifts out of them. Thanks again.
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