Shifter collar replacement
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Freshman User
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From: Arkansas
Shifter collar replacement
Hey guys, I'm am trying to replace a broken shifter collar on my 1976 F150. I have the steering column disassembled to the turn signal housing. The snap ring is removed but the bearing and housing will not budge. I'm asking if I put a gear puller on it will I damage the housing. Any other tips to getting past this problem would be greatly appreciated.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Stanley, VA
How are you planning on grabbing the flange?
One thing I would do, if the steering shaft is rusty, take some sandpaper and clean the shaft that's sticking out and then spray some WD-40 or PB Blaster on it and let it sit for a bit.
One thing I would do, if the steering shaft is rusty, take some sandpaper and clean the shaft that's sticking out and then spray some WD-40 or PB Blaster on it and let it sit for a bit.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
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From: Stanley, VA
If, for some reason you end up damaging the flange, it's not the end of the world. They are still available and not that expensive. Dennis Carpenter has them (NOS units, not aftermarket) for $19.95.
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Freshman User
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From: Arkansas
The shaft is in good condition. I hit it last night with some wd40. I was planning on grabbing the housing right in front of the shift collar, and placing the bolt on the steering shaft.
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Freshman User
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From: Arkansas
That's good info to know.
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Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Stanley, VA
The part number is D3TZ-3511-D. Last time I checked a couple of weeks ago, DC had 743 in stock.
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Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Stanley, VA
As long as you get a good, even grasp, you should be okay. Just go slow.
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Freshman User
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From: Arkansas
Well man, after letting it soak with some on blaster I put the geae puller on it. It only took about three turns and finally broke loose. I didn't even damage the housing. Thanks for your help.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Stanley, VA
Thanks for the update.
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From: Arkansas
Okay, I am on to my next obstacle with this shifter rebuild. I am on to the reassembling and I have some technical questions. As I reinstall the shift collar onto the shift tube, is there something that attaches internally that I am missing. (ie a shift cable, or rod) I did a mockup install and the linkage at the bottom of the steering column still isn't shifting. I have stared at the exploded view until my eyes are bugging out. What am I missing? Any and all help is very appreciated.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Stanley, VA
There's really not a whole lot to go wrong with the actual shift mechanism.
Starting at the bottom, in the engine compartment. You have the shift arm, this has a keyway in it that will engage a key that is spot welded to the tube. There is also a spring that goes on the bottom end of the tube. This keeps everything under a little bit of compression to reduce play and slop.
The spring seats against a bead that's rolled into the shift tube. There's also a piece of insulation that slips around the shift tube, this is to prevent the tube rattling. Now you go to the top of the tube, there you'll find another key spot welded to the shift tube and a keyway in the shift collar. The shifter sticks through the collar.
The most common reason that the shifter doesn't work is the collar has broken across the bridge, the second most common reason is one of the keys has broken loose, usually the upper one.
I'm not sure you can assemble it like this, but be sure the lower key has engaged the shift arm.
Starting at the bottom, in the engine compartment. You have the shift arm, this has a keyway in it that will engage a key that is spot welded to the tube. There is also a spring that goes on the bottom end of the tube. This keeps everything under a little bit of compression to reduce play and slop.
The spring seats against a bead that's rolled into the shift tube. There's also a piece of insulation that slips around the shift tube, this is to prevent the tube rattling. Now you go to the top of the tube, there you'll find another key spot welded to the shift tube and a keyway in the shift collar. The shifter sticks through the collar.
The most common reason that the shifter doesn't work is the collar has broken across the bridge, the second most common reason is one of the keys has broken loose, usually the upper one.
I'm not sure you can assemble it like this, but be sure the lower key has engaged the shift arm.
