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So who’s seen a column break like this before? Trucks a 1996 F-350 7.3 2x4 CCLB w/ E4OD. Trucks always been weird with the shifter since I’ve owned it. Some days it was smooth some days it almost seemed like you had to hulk smash it to get it out of park. One thing it was always consistent with was on the boat ramp I’d throw it into park to get out to get the boat off and all and it would go into park no problem then when I came back to truck to pull it off the ramp I would ALWAYS have to hulk smash it to get it in gear. It was also only an issue coming out of park, going from drive to reverse or anything else besides going from park to whatever was always smooth and no issue. I know these columns are a common issue but just wondering if anyone seen one break like this before?
Also since now I’m in the market for a column or at least parts for a column does anyone know what years and models will fit? I would assume a column out of any F Series that has my body style and an E4OD would fit since these trucks are very modular but I’m sure my hopes are probably to high on this one.
You shouldn’t need to replace the whole column. The part you’re looking for is called the shift tube (or shift tube assembly I can’t recall exactly at the moment) and it’s pretty widely available.
I don’t remember if there were bushings on it from the factory or not but I do know there’s bushing kits available for it to help prevent breaking again - it will also help if you make sure the shift cable moves freely and is adjusted correctly.
broken shift tube. common problem with these trucks, especially when the neutral safety switch seizes, or when the shift cable seizes.
new part is under $50
