My 88 F150 with 300 I-6 and 5 speed standard transmission developed a rather strange problem yesterday. The shift lever all of a sudden has become looser when I am moving through the gears. First gear has been difficult to shift into. Also, half the time when I attempt to shift into 3rd gear, I move directly into gear 5 (Overdrive). Once I am in a particular gear (for instance town driving in 3rd or 4th), there is a lot of slack. Before everything was nice and tight and the gears were easily shifted into.

Is something about to go? All replies are appreciated!

 

At the bottom of the shift lever is a "ball" usually made of nylon that wears out ,or, breaks off leaving only a tiny stud to operate the shift shafts.You need to call FORD for the fix.Sometimes you can get the "ball" by itself but you'll probably end up buying the whole lever. Before you call,write down the production date and trans code off the door jamb sticker,they'll need that info.
Phillip