'77 Steering Column Gearshift Removal
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'77 Steering Column Gearshift Removal
Do I have to remove the entire steering column to replace a broken gear shift assembly on my '77 F250 (automatic)? I've removed the steering wheel and the plastic turn signal plate and the circlip on the column but the collar above the gear selector collar doesn't seem to want to come off. I can't seem to find the correct info in my shop manual. Any help much appreciated!
Thanks
Glenn
Thanks
Glenn
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Thanks....I don't have that blow up diagram in my manual. Not sure if it'll help though as I've removed all the parts already that are between the steering wheel and the turn signal collar and it still doesn't want to come off (turn signal collar). I haven't removed the gear selector arm, but I don't see how that will do anything. I'll just keep working at it I guess.
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Tink,
There are two nuts (7'/16") which must removed after you have removed the plastic blinker switch plate. This should loosen up the whole assembly. The shifter collar and shift tube will pull straight out after that. You should be able to hammer out the roll pin to remove the shift lever handle. Don't forget to swap the spring that returns the shift lever handle. You'll see it easy now that i mentioned it.
Good Luck,
KingFisher
PS Take your time putting it back together. You've only got to get it right once.
There are two nuts (7'/16") which must removed after you have removed the plastic blinker switch plate. This should loosen up the whole assembly. The shifter collar and shift tube will pull straight out after that. You should be able to hammer out the roll pin to remove the shift lever handle. Don't forget to swap the spring that returns the shift lever handle. You'll see it easy now that i mentioned it.
Good Luck,
KingFisher
PS Take your time putting it back together. You've only got to get it right once.
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dfisher...thanks for the info. I've got it off now. I had already removed those nuts but the thing was still stuck so I used a little pull pressure and tapped on the end of the column and it popped right off. I'm still a little unsure about how far I have to go to replace the broken gear selector hub. Do you know if the shift tube has to come out? Not sure how the hub attaches to the tube. Thanks.
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From: Gainesville, FL
Tink,
What is a hub? I'm assuming your talking about the "collar" that the shift lever is attached to. This shift collar is a common item to break. The collar and shift tube will have to be pulled together. No biggie. But now comes the question: Which type of neutral safety switch do you have? The 1977 could have had either, I think? If its on the steeirng column at the inside of the firewall, there will be a clip attached to the shifter tube. Don't loose this and assure its in place when you reassemble.
Secondly, if the neutral safety switch is on the automatic shifter linkage attached at your tranny, then you've got nothing to worry about.
What else are you working on?
KingFisher
What is a hub? I'm assuming your talking about the "collar" that the shift lever is attached to. This shift collar is a common item to break. The collar and shift tube will have to be pulled together. No biggie. But now comes the question: Which type of neutral safety switch do you have? The 1977 could have had either, I think? If its on the steeirng column at the inside of the firewall, there will be a clip attached to the shifter tube. Don't loose this and assure its in place when you reassemble.
Secondly, if the neutral safety switch is on the automatic shifter linkage attached at your tranny, then you've got nothing to worry about.
What else are you working on?
KingFisher
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Yeah, I'm working on the shift collar and I have the neutral safety switch on the column. I've got it all out now but had to have the key welded back onto the shift tube as it had broken off as well. I think the collar had been busted for awhile (as it was sloppy to shift since I purchased) and that finally worked the key off the tube. I've got a new collar ($30.00 US) and I'm ready to reassemble. Might have a little trouble lining the shift tube up at the bottom end where it goes through the shift lever and I'm not sure how easy it's going to be to reattach the neutral switch, but should be able to finish OK now.
One question though:How do you guys get the ignition wiring plastic clip through that little hole and up the column? I'm sad to say I finally resorted to cutting the wires, and I know that can't be right.
Thanks for all your help everyone
Tink
One question though:How do you guys get the ignition wiring plastic clip through that little hole and up the column? I'm sad to say I finally resorted to cutting the wires, and I know that can't be right.
Thanks for all your help everyone
Tink
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Tink,
i think i've got this one covered, maybe.
If I remember correctly, the gang plug is curved. Dissconnect the gang plug. Pull the collar, shift tube up with the electrical harness. Once it is clear of the column the plug should pull though the collar. If not, there is a plastic piece in the plug that pulls out. This will allow the wires to be removed from the gang fitting. be careful though. you've got to remember which color goes where.
Be patient,
KingFisher
i think i've got this one covered, maybe.
If I remember correctly, the gang plug is curved. Dissconnect the gang plug. Pull the collar, shift tube up with the electrical harness. Once it is clear of the column the plug should pull though the collar. If not, there is a plastic piece in the plug that pulls out. This will allow the wires to be removed from the gang fitting. be careful though. you've got to remember which color goes where.
Be patient,
KingFisher
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Thanks to all for the help. Mission accomplished after a few setbacks but feel good about doing the job myself (to say nothing of the money saved). If I have to do it again, it's going to be a lot smoother and faster.
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