Does anyone know how to take out a shifter **** in an '89 Aerostar? I actually found an automatic shifter **** with a button like the Aerostar's, but of course different style, and I'm wondering how to take out the original.

 

I don't understand what you mean by an "automatic shifter **** with a button like the Aerostar's." What button? I assume you're talking about the column shift selector lever and I believe you have to remove the steering wheel and related parts to get to it.

Ron

 

No. I don't drive that version of the Aerostar. Mine has a stick that goes right down into the floor and the **** has a button you press to move the stick.

 

Oh...I see. Didn't realize that the Aero came with a stick shift, but looking at my Chilton's now I see it. Haven't been to this section before..I have an automatic.

According to my Chilton's it's easy to remove the shift handle and shift rod. First, emergency brake on, wheels blocked and shifter in neutral.

Remove interior panels and components around the shifter rod and carpet around the shifter seal.

Remove the rubber shifter boot to access shifter seal plate attached to floor.

Remove bolts securing shifter plate to floor and remove plate to expose top of transmission and shifter.

Remove four retainer bolts securing shift rod to transmission assembly and lift plate and shift rod out.

To install apply multi-purpose long life grease to ball end which installs into transmission, install shift rod into transmission and torque retainer bolts to 6-9 ft lbs. Reinstall all parts removed previously.

Hope this helps.

Ron

 

rlmdad,
razor_jim has the old floor shifter with an automatic transmission. You gave the directions for the 5-speed. Here is what Haynes states for removal.

1. Under the vehicle, remove the retaining clip and disconnect the shift cable from the selector lever.
2. Inside the passenger compartment, grasp the floor carpet center retainer securely and pull up sharply to remove it from the base of the lever assembly.
3. Remove the four retaining bolts and lift the selector lever assembly from the vehicle.
4. If it is necessary to remove the selector handle and button, grasp the handle securely with the shifter in Drive and pull straight up. If the handle does not come off easily, tap from below with a rubber mallet. To install, place the handle/button in position, making sure the handle chrome ring is lined up with the selector handle groove. Strike the center of handle with a rubber mallet until it is seated.
5. To install, place the selector assemble in position and install the bolts. Tighten the bolts securely.
6. Place the carpet retainer in position and press down evenly until it snaps in place.
7. Under the vehicle, connect the shift cable to the selector lever.
8. Adjust the linkage.

I would suggest you invest in either the Haynes or Chiltons manual. It’s worth the price. I have both. I got the Chiltons used off of Ebay.

 

So I'm guessing that the shifter **** is here to stay... that's all I wanted to change. The shifter arm is fine, I'm just looking to change the ****.

 

Haynes doesn't go into that much detail. I don't have that shifter myself. But looking at the picture I would think there should be a way to change the ****. Look around the **** for a set screw.

 

Tom,

Thanks for the clarification. I thought I might be wrong as the directions I gave didn't indicate anything about a spring operated release mechanism. That's why we all work together.

Thanks - Ron


razor_jim,

As Tom indicates you can easily remove the handle and button; whether or not your replacement will fit is another question.

From Tom's post:

"4. If it is necessary to remove the selector handle and button, grasp the handle securely with the shifter in Drive and pull straight up. If the handle does not come off easily, tap from below with a rubber mallet. To install, place the handle/button in position, making sure the handle chrome ring is lined up with the selector handle groove. Strike the center of handle with a rubber mallet until it is seated."

Ron

 

Whoa. Okay, thanks. I didn't read closely enough. And yes that's true, I have no idea if a replacement would fit.

 

razor_jim,

Depending on what you need to replace, you might be able to modify the replacement using part of the existing handle/button assembly.

LOL

Ron

 

i have an old post in the archives somewhere on that shifter. i have a 91 with the floor shift automatic , with the button on the side . mine had a broken button, i replaced the whole **** and button with a new one from ford . it took alot of elbow grease as i recall. i would have to check, but i think i depressed the botton and pulled like hell. may have had to twist it.( an old guy at ford service would know) i remember it was a simple fit, but very tight.
.......new one needed to be seated firmly or selector would not go into gears....rick