Swap floor shift for column shift?
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Swap floor shift for column shift?
I'm not sure if anyone here will have the answer to this question, but I thought I'd give it a shot.
I will be in the market soon for a new truck - probably a 2016 or 2017, as my 2009 is pushing 200K miles. I would go out and buy a fully optioned Lariat 502A package with the Sport Appearance package (4WD, 3.55 e-locker, 5.0 V8, supercrew, 6.5' bed). Except for one big problem... the stupid floor shifter.
I hate the floor shifter. I also use my vehicle for emergency response, so the center console goes away and gets replaced with an equipment console. With the shifter in the way, that's a real challenge.
I know there's other equipment inside the factory console (audio amp, etc.) which I would have no problem remounting. The big challenge is the gear shift. Does anyone know what it would take to convert the truck back into a column shift?
I will be in the market soon for a new truck - probably a 2016 or 2017, as my 2009 is pushing 200K miles. I would go out and buy a fully optioned Lariat 502A package with the Sport Appearance package (4WD, 3.55 e-locker, 5.0 V8, supercrew, 6.5' bed). Except for one big problem... the stupid floor shifter.
I hate the floor shifter. I also use my vehicle for emergency response, so the center console goes away and gets replaced with an equipment console. With the shifter in the way, that's a real challenge.
I know there's other equipment inside the factory console (audio amp, etc.) which I would have no problem remounting. The big challenge is the gear shift. Does anyone know what it would take to convert the truck back into a column shift?
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Posting Guru
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Kinda missing the point, guys. I know the 501A doesn't have the floor shift... it also doesn't have LED headlights and the appearance package I'd like. And living with the floor shift isn't an option.
I realize this isn't going to be easy... it may not even be possible. That's why I'm asking.
I realize this isn't going to be easy... it may not even be possible. That's why I'm asking.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2011
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Kinda missing the point, guys. I know the 501A doesn't have the floor shift... it also doesn't have LED headlights and the appearance package I'd like. And living with the floor shift isn't an option.
I realize this isn't going to be easy... it may not even be possible. That's why I'm asking.
I realize this isn't going to be easy... it may not even be possible. That's why I'm asking.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Calgary Canada
I suspect adding the Options that are missing from the 501A package will be a lot easier than relocating the shifter.
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Senior User
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I was looking into this myself last month. I suspect that the reason the floor shift comes with the other upgrade is that the gear indicators for the column shift don't work with the larger display.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Fort Wayne, IN
Also, many console companies currently make units with shifter relocation kits, so that would probably work as well. No one's making one for the F-150 yet that I'm aware of, but I'm sure it'll come eventually as more jurisdictions show interest on the F-150. If they happen not to, you'll have to go with the automotive company that majority of jurisdictions choose, as that is where your purchasing power will be.
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Unfortunately, most of the console manufacturers out there won't make custom stuff for the up-level F150 because, let's be honest, most people aren't buying a Platinum and then tearing the center console out.
Very good point on the instrument cluster - hadn't even thought about that. The one limitation I know of is the telescoping steering column doesn't have the shifter.
QwkTrip - great question, one I'd love to see answered. I'm not averse to doing some engineering of my own.
I hate to say it, but this is one place where Dodge excels, with their **** shifter. The fire apparatus I drive all has push-button shift - why doesn't the F150?
Very good point on the instrument cluster - hadn't even thought about that. The one limitation I know of is the telescoping steering column doesn't have the shifter.
QwkTrip - great question, one I'd love to see answered. I'm not averse to doing some engineering of my own.
I hate to say it, but this is one place where Dodge excels, with their **** shifter. The fire apparatus I drive all has push-button shift - why doesn't the F150?
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2014
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From: Lewisberry, Penn
I love the column shifter, hate the floor shifter and think the **** is stupid. But since you said your fire units have it I have to ask, how well does it work when you're geared up? I would think the control is pretty bad with gloves on. I've driven the dodges, but not while working. I just wouldn't buy a Dodge product these days anyway.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2015
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One hopeful point for next year's model (2017) is that the Super Duties will all come with a column shift, regardless of the trim level. So with cab sharing, then perhaps there's a chance that the F150 cab will be the same. I suspect it's a very slight chance though.
Anyway, if you really want a column shift in the higher trim levels, then the only solution I know of is to wait until next year and get a SD.
Anyway, if you really want a column shift in the higher trim levels, then the only solution I know of is to wait until next year and get a SD.
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From: Isanti, MN
I think it's more than a slight chance, the cab of the '17 Super Duty has been confirmed to be the same as the F150. I suspect lots of parts will cross over for the first time in nearly 20 years.
