Howdy,
I have a 1966 f250 with a c.o.m. auto tranny. I was having problems with the lever staying in park. I decided to tear into the column yesterday and came across an obvious problem. The turn signal switch seems to be hardwired through the column with no disconnect. So to pull everything apart do I need to cut the wires?? If so where is the best place. So that would solve problem number 1. Back to the orignal issue. I could get everything separated enough to look at the lever mechanism. It looks like there is a metal plate with slots to keep it in gear. This thing was pretty fouled up. I'm not sure if it is possible to replace this piece.. Does anyone know of a source. Is there anything else that should be present with this mechanism that someone may have taken out??

thanks for any help on this issue.
Jason

 

Jason, first of all, let me WELCOME you to FTE! This is a great place to learn about Ford trucks.

No, it is NOT necessary to cut the wires. They disappear down the column, then re-emerge on the left side underneath the dash. There are 2 connectors, one with 2 wires and one with the rest - 6 of them, I think. Remove the wires from the connectors, slip the wires up and out, and you have it free.
Before you remove anything BE SURE TO MAKE A DRAWING of how the wires are arranged on the connectors so you can get it back together right!

To remove the wires, you need need a small tool; I prefer a toothpick or a dental pick. A specialty tool is available at NAPA and other parts stores.
Each wire is terminated in a pin, and each pin has a small spring-loaded clip. This clip is actually part of the pin, and juts out from the side of the pin to keep it in place. Gently push the clip back in towards the pin, while gently pulling on the wire. The pin will release, and the wire will slip right out.
To re-install, check the clip first, to make sure it is still jutting out a little bit, to keep the pin inside the plastic connector. Then, push the pin back into place. Tug gently on the wire to ensure the clip is holding it in place, and you are done.

As for your second problem, the gear selector often wears out. If you look closely at the lever as well, you will most likely find that it is quite worn as well. Check with Dennis Carpenter, LMC or any of the advertisers on this site for parts.

Good luck with your truck, again, Welcome!

 

Thanks so much for the help. This is a great site for the ford truckers of the world.

Jason

 

I wasn't able to find the gear selector in LMC's web site. Does anyone know where else I should be looking?

thanks
jason

 

Most aftermarket suppliers only carry the shift collar, rag joint and bearings. The rest is junk yard unless you want to use an aftermarket column like Ididit. Post a want ad in the classifieds here and see what shows up. Many pieces from any 60" vintage Ford automatic will work including Falcon and all the big sedans. The TS switch was also used in Dodges. Columns are a practical swap to 1979 F100-F350"s. An after-market shifter may also resolve the problem. LoKar has the nicest in my opinion.

 

Sorry, was in process of explaining that do not need to cut wires and how to go about removing pin. See Banjopicker covered it extremely well. I should read other members threads before jumping in, guess did not want to feel left out. Should find removing pins from later model columns somewhat easier, matter of removing plastic retainer which releases all the pins.

dave

 

I got the pins out, but the wire bundle seems to be so tight in the column that I can't simply pull it out. Do you need to remove the column sleeve as one part or is there something here I'm missing?

thanks
Jason

 

If I remember correctly you have to loosen up the column,turn signal switch and collar to pull the wires thru.I know it is possible,I did it on my 65.Lots of patience workin with these old trucks.
Joe

 

If recall, the wires enter about where the column mount at the dash, and exits thru opening under the collar. May want to run a pull wire when you remove the wires, should make running replacement wire little easier.

dave

 

Welcome. I went through a turn signal switch last summer, had to loosen the column/dash clamp to get enough room to fish wires through. Tightened up shift lever lock plate with drift punch, not perfect even now but at least it holds most of the time.