I have been studding lmc truck and was wondering if a new shift tube would fix my sloppy shifter so I could get it in and out gear without it flopping around?


Truck Parts and Truck Accessories


Thanks in Advance, Alice

 

Probably not Alice----your issue isn't necessarily about parts so much as how they're attached (or not) inside the steering column. Here's a link showing one guy's way to refresh his own steering column: Swapping auto collum shifter arm - PowerStrokeNation : Ford Powerstroke Diesel Forum

Even though his truck is an F-Series pick up the columns are similar enough that write-up serves us all very well.

HTH

 

nice write up ty. so do u think I wouldn't need the shifter tube and just a new shifter arm/handle?


TY in Advance, Alice

 

You might just need to tighten two bolts. Looking up the column look for the bracket that attaches the shift cable to the shift tube. The two #30 Torx bolts tend to loosen and cause a sloppy shifter.

 

I have no real idea, would be hesitant to say "it's this or that......." without seeing in person your column.

In that write-up he should show two straps or caps surrounding the shift tube under which are plastic bushings. The attaching Torx-headed fasteners or the bushings have been known to need attention, often times solving a lot of that floppy shift lever syndrome.

It should also be noted at the bottom of that shift tube is an assembly that establishes the detents, those "steps" between gear selections. If that's worn regardless what's done elsewhere some of the sloppiness will remain.

Here's an exploded drawing showing the parts inside a column---looks more like a watch than an auto part huh? Items you'd want to check are numbers 12. 13 & 14:

 

ill check those bolts but need to get me some torx hardend secutiy socket tips.


ty fr the heads up on those bolts

 

You may have already already looked them, but I would check out the bolts and linkages near the transmission under the the body to make sure nothing is sloppy there.

 

You don't need any special Torx bits, the security bits aren't advised unless you encounter actual security-pinned Torx fasteners---they're a bit weak for most general maintenance uses.

The bolts mentioned should be torqued to a max of 15 ft/lbs---using LocTite #290 ("green") is helpful too.

 

at first look I thought it said sloppy colon

 

E=vettex2;15455993]at first look I thought it said sloppy colon[/QUOTE]

Good one!

 

I've fixed at least two vans for others this way. It was my first thought when I first saw the thread. One of those was bad enough that they couldn't find D on the shifter, didn't realize it, and were driving around in 2 or 1 thinking the transmission was all screwed up.

Jason

 

Yes however in that case 15 ft/bls torque and/or Loctite #290 ("green) is contra-indicated!

 

Are thes bolts hard to get too? If not I can buy some hardden torx sockets an tighten them up, just not sur if the are to far back to reach.

 

The smaller your hands, the easier it is. It helps to be a little bit limber, too.

That said, I'm 41, 6'0", 185-ish, flexible as a 2x4, and managed to do it at least twice (that was 2-3 years ago, though).

The bolts are hard to SEE, but not terribly difficult to reach. I found them by feeling around while jiggling the shifter.

Jason

 

I'll check a used tool store for the bits I need. But can't do it till Tuesday ��