The shift lever on the 93 F250 is very loose. I've found a bunch of videos about issues down in the column, and where the indicator doesn't line up with the gear, but that's not my issue. On mine, the lever itself is loose at its connection. I'm attaching a bunch of pics, but the place where the lever connects to the column is super sloppy in both dimensions. The pin that holds it in was backed way out and I'm not quite clear how it's even supposed to stay in. There was a clip in there, but the hole in it is not nearly tight enough to hold the pin. I found a clip for something else and put it there for now just to make sure the pin doesn't back out.

I saw on the LMC catalog a "shift tube damper" (pic at bottom) which looks like a rubber insert into where the lever goes. There's nothing like that in sight. Could that be the problem?

We also learned that the wiring from the lever is not actually hooked up anymore. It must have to do with the overdrive button on the shifter. We've never pressed it. Is it necessary to actually get into 4th gear? I can see the connector the wires are meant to go to. Someone must have cut them along the way.

Finally, when I put the lock cylinder back in, I found that there is a little wire/connector on the bottom that doesn't want to stay hooked up. Any idea what it does? It doesn't seem to be preventing the truck from starting or anything. Maybe for the seatbelt buzzer?

 

The little black clip you have in your hand attaches where the lock cylinder goes in. It tells the door-open buzzer when the key is in the ignition.

 

Okay, so not critical. I know where it is supposed to go, but it just falls out if you barely touch it. Not sure how it originally stayed in place.

They had those orange bushings at OReilly so I put one in. It's a little better, but still pretty loose. Also still not sure how the pin is supposed to stay in.

 

Have you checked the 2 screws at the base of the shift tube under the dash? Also, have you checked the shift tube bushings and straps? There are 2 on top of the column.
I think I figured out, are you talking about the pin that holds the shift lever to the shift tube? Does it fall out the bottom? I think it is supposed to have a “head” on one side and it installs from the top

 

Yeah, I saw lots of videos about the column being loose down below, but my problem is right here. The lever has huge amounts of play, both in the "release" direction and the "change gears" direction. I got that orange bushing for in there. I also just ordered a new pin too, so maybe that'll help.