Auto steering column rebuildable?
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 947
Likes: 6
From: Manitoba, Canada
Auto steering column rebuildable?
My 68 has an automatic column (non tilt) out of a Dentside and the shifter has some play. Makes shifting through the gears kinda scary. Is this fixable?
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 247
From: Stanley, VA
Sure, the most common problem is the shifter collar that's just below the steering wheel, starts to crack internally. If this is your problem, eventually it will break and you'll be stuck in whatever position it was in, unless you get under the hood and move the linkage manually.
Second possibility is the shift tube has started to crack around the "key" that is welded to the tube. This is the part that engages the shift collar.
Second possibility is the shift tube has started to crack around the "key" that is welded to the tube. This is the part that engages the shift collar.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 947
Likes: 6
From: Manitoba, Canada
I should have mentioned that when I removed this column from the donor I noticed that the collar was unpainted so I assumed it had been replaced at some time. So maybe the shift tube has some wear causing play? Is this repairable? or replaceable? Any tutorial on this? I did a quick search and couldn't find anything.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 247
From: Stanley, VA
I should have mentioned that when I removed this column from the donor I noticed that the collar was unpainted so I assumed it had been replaced at some time. So maybe the shift tube has some wear causing play? Is this repairable? or replaceable? Any tutorial on this? I did a quick search and couldn't find anything.
Here's a diagram of the 73-77 auto, non-tilt column.
The collar is basic P/N 3511 and the shift tube is 7212.
Also, just because the collar has been replaced before doesn't mean it's okay now. This is a weak link.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 790
From: Simi Valley, CA
Yes it's replaceable. I believe the shift tubes are still available.
Here's a diagram of the 73-77 auto, non-tilt column.
The upper flange is basic P/N 3511, the shift collar is 7228 and the shift tube is 7212.
Also, just because the collar has been replaced before doesn't mean it's okay now. This is a weak link.
Here's a diagram of the 73-77 auto, non-tilt column.
The upper flange is basic P/N 3511, the shift collar is 7228 and the shift tube is 7212.
Also, just because the collar has been replaced before doesn't mean it's okay now. This is a weak link.
Applications: 1965/77 F100/350 / 1973/77 Bronco.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 247
From: Stanley, VA
Probably the hardest (read that as most annoying) thing is the two square headed bolts (bolt 3641, nut 55690-S) that clamps the column flange (3511) to the column. These sort of "grip" the side of the column. You don't want to drop them into the column. What I do is loosen them as much as I can and then "wiggle" the flange to get it to come off.
Just allow a decent amount of time and don't get in a hurry. If you have a camera or phone, take lots of pictures. This will save a lot of time during reassembly, not to mention strain on the vocabulary.
You can do it, it's not that hard.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 947
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From: Manitoba, Canada
Mike you should be a motivational speaker, lol. I think I'll gather parts once I find a good source and it will be a good winter project when the truck is parked.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,398
Likes: 6
Sorry, but I love my vocabulary when I work on my truck
Mike is correct. It isn't hat hard to do. The one thing I remember is that it would be nice to have a second pair of hands during the re-assembly. Not necessary, but nice.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,867
Likes: 2,626
From: The Shenandoah Valley
I know Mike gave me some help as did others when I had to replace that shift collar on my '77!
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...witch-tab.html
Really ..... still available? Thanks for all the numbers you post!
Gonna have to look at one as a "backup" as oem lasted pretty good first time.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...witch-tab.html
Originally Posted by NumberDummy
D5TZ-7228-A (replaced C5TZ-7228-A & B and C9TZ-7228-A) .. A/T Shift Collar Kit / Available from Ford.
Applications: 1965/77 F100/350 / 1973/77 Bronco.
Applications: 1965/77 F100/350 / 1973/77 Bronco.
Gonna have to look at one as a "backup" as oem lasted pretty good first time.
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