1985 Ranger Transmission Shifter Problem
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: Atlantic, IA
1985 Ranger Transmission Shifter Problem
Hi All -
I've had several Rangers with manual transmissions. On some I've had to replace the plastic "shift pattern". Other wise the shift pattern is really sloppy.
Well, yesterday on my 1985, with the 2.3L 4, I noticed that the shifter **** will turn 360o (degrees) in any position between 1-4 and R. While this doesn't "affect" my ability to drive it because I know where the gears are, it has me concerned...
If someone new was to drive it, it would be really hard for them if the angle was off.
But even more importantly, what is wrong with it, and will driving it make it worse? I've never had this problem before. This truck is a mint Arizona specimen and I don't want to do any further damage.
Anyone had this problem? What is broken? Is it the actual end of the shifter **** (it's the bent style) or is it the plastic piece that dictates the shift pattern? Or something else?
I'm hoping someone can tell what it might be and what the part is, as the closest Ford Dealer is about 45 miles from my house and it is small town. But I pass by a couple on the way to work everyday.
TIA,
-Chris
I've had several Rangers with manual transmissions. On some I've had to replace the plastic "shift pattern". Other wise the shift pattern is really sloppy.
Well, yesterday on my 1985, with the 2.3L 4, I noticed that the shifter **** will turn 360o (degrees) in any position between 1-4 and R. While this doesn't "affect" my ability to drive it because I know where the gears are, it has me concerned...
If someone new was to drive it, it would be really hard for them if the angle was off.
But even more importantly, what is wrong with it, and will driving it make it worse? I've never had this problem before. This truck is a mint Arizona specimen and I don't want to do any further damage.
Anyone had this problem? What is broken? Is it the actual end of the shifter **** (it's the bent style) or is it the plastic piece that dictates the shift pattern? Or something else?
I'm hoping someone can tell what it might be and what the part is, as the closest Ford Dealer is about 45 miles from my house and it is small town. But I pass by a couple on the way to work everyday.
TIA,
-Chris
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,979
Likes: 2
From: central ohio
the shift **** is a press fit onto the splined shifter shaft, pull the **** off, put some silicone in and press it back on, that should help keep it from moving. had that issue on my '88. my '93 on the other hand, i cant get the **** to move, was going to change it, but id have to cut it off with a dremel or something. was 130 in the cab today, and the **** is just as tight and non-moving as can be. the insert with the shift pattern may be moving, drop or 2 of super glue would cure that.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: Atlantic, IA
No No... Not the **** is turning on the shifter rod, the ROD is turning 360 down in the transmission... The whole rod (the bent style) spins all the way around... The rubber know is new, and doesn't spin at all.
-Chris
-Chris
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 1
There is a pin in the lower part of the shift lever that keeps it from spinning. It is either broken, or has fallen out. Take the four bolts out of the trans around the shift lever and you can pull the lever out of the trans. You will see where the pin goes. jim d
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: Atlantic, IA
Jimdandy -
Thanks, thats what I was looking for. I presume that I don't need any special tools to do this? Is getting the pin back in something that will be a major pain, or is that pretty simple?
Thanks,
-Chris
Thanks, thats what I was looking for. I presume that I don't need any special tools to do this? Is getting the pin back in something that will be a major pain, or is that pretty simple?
Thanks,
-Chris
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: Atlantic, IA
I pulled the 4 bolts and checked it out. It turns out that the nylon/plastic bushing that is right under the metal housing is split in two. And it turns out that you can not purchase just that part, only the complete assembly. And its not cheap. Cam in around $115 or so. The bummer was the shifter boot (cosmetic one) is $157! So hard parts needed to drive the truck are cheaper than the cosmetic ones...
Oh yeah, it's a Mitsubishi 5 Speed tranny, not a 4 Speed O/D... I thought you could only get the 5 speed with a v-6 until 1987 or 1988?
Thanks,
-Chris
Oh yeah, it's a Mitsubishi 5 Speed tranny, not a 4 Speed O/D... I thought you could only get the 5 speed with a v-6 until 1987 or 1988?
Thanks,
-Chris
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
William Cabot Boyd
Large Truck
18
Dec 19, 2025 12:35 AM
willowbilly3
1957 - 1960 F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
26
Jun 19, 2017 10:54 AM
corksil
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
5
Feb 17, 2017 09:50 AM
mds47588
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
26
May 10, 2016 02:40 PM
