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I have a 1989 F250 7.3 4x4 with an E4OD. 89-91 E4ODs use a rod-type linkage going from the shifter on the column to the transmission and MLPS, probably much like the C6 trucks. About a month ago, I found my truck wouldn't crank in park unless I pushed up on the shifter. It progressed to where I had to have the column tilted all the way up to get it to crank, while pushing up on the shifter. I assumed it was the mlps going bad, so I replaced it, no difference, (lined up the marks in neutral. noticed the key was hard to turn at times, so I disassembled the column and replaced the actuator (didn't cut it, did it the right way) thinking it was bent and replaced the ignition switch while I had it apart (adjusted it correctly)and lubed everything in the column with white lithium grease. Turns nice and easy now, and will now crank with the column straight (not tipped up like before), while pushing up on the shifter. Sometimes it still won't, and I have to hold the brake and put it in neutral to crank it. Does anyone here have any advice? I think the problem is somewhere in the mechanical linkage, it can be adjusted, but how to do it correctly is what I need to know.
1. From inside the vehicle, place the gearshift lever (7210) in the OVERDRIVE position (E4OD). Hang a three-pound weight on the gearshift lever.
2. Raise vehicle on a hoist and position suitable safety stands under vehicle.
3. Remove the shift cable from the transmission lever ball stud.
4. Pull down the lock tab on the shift cable body.
5. Position the gearshift lever in the OVERDRIVE position (E4OD). This is three detents from the front-most lever position with the first position counting as one.
6. Connect the cable end fitting to the transmission lever ball stud.
7. Push up on the lock tab to lock the cable in the correctly adjusted position.
8. Remove safety stands and lower vehicle from hoist. Remove the three-pound weight from the gearshift lever.
9. CAUTION: Under no circumstances should the cable be adjusted in any position other than (D) (OVERDRIVE) for the E4OD automatic transmission.
After making the adjustment, check for park engagement. Check the gearshift lever in all detent positions with the engine (6007) running to make sure of correct detent/transmission actions. Readjust if necessary.
Shift Indicator Cable
1. Remove the four screws from the lower steering column shroud. Remove the lower steering column shroud.
2. Rotate gearshift lever (7210) clockwise until it bottoms out in first gear.
3. Rotate gearshift lever counterclockwise three detents (overdrive position).
4. Hang a three-pound weight on the gearshift lever.
5. Center pointer in the middle of (D) OVERDRIVE position, by rotating the thumbwheel located on right-hand side of steering column actuator housing.
also be sure these bolts are tight.if not,remove them and put some red loc-tite on them and snug them up;
If I had a 92+, that would make sense. But I don't. There is no shift "cable" its all a mechanical linkage, with rods, bushings, and an adjustment slot on one piece.
