I have a 1971 ford f100 with a straight six.The problem i am having is with the shifter on the column.It will go into reverse with no problem,but getting it into 1,2,3 is a problem.I pulled the inner sleeve out of the column and can see where it was worn.I placed a piece of metal behind slot at shift handle ingaugement,but still not wanting to shift.Any feed back on this would be appreciated. Mark

 

Mark Welcome to FTE your #1 source for tech support for ol Ford trucks

I suspect that the bushings among other things are well worn. The ones in the shifting arms under the hood and next to the firewall. Replacing and realeignment should make your shifting arm happy.

John

 

John it is good to be here.Thanks for the information and i will check that out.

 

The basic Ford part numbers for the shift linkage bushings are 7341 and 7343. Whether or not Ford still lists these is unknown to me.

 

Not to disrupt the forum or anything..but i too have a question. I recently bought a 68 f100 custom cab in bout 90 near perfect condition. It has its small problems..but its a 44 year old truck. My question is..the front bumper sits crooked. One side is about 2 inches higher . I know brackets arent involved because its a direct frame bolt on. The frame isnt twisted and from what i see the bumper is straight as an arrow. Its not a big problem..just bothersome.

 

68cabby,
Yes the brackets to the frame are a direct bolt on, but the holes for the bolts are a bit larger than the bolts, allowing a little bit of adjustment. 1/2" total movement between the 2 bolts should give an inch or more at the bumper and if you do both sides, you'll likely get the 2 inches you need.
HTH,
Gene

 

Check body mount bushings while you're at it.

 

Okay. Thank u. Will the holes mame a differfence in the up/down crookedness? Other that that..it sits straight against the truck. And my bushings are fine..but that was something id never think to look at for the crookedness

 

Since a dug up this ancient thread originally posted 11/18/2006 (asking an unrelated question)...and I have better refs now than I did nearly 5 years ago...

C5TZ-7343-A .. 3 Speed Manual Steering Column Selector Levers Bushing & Insulator Kit / Obsolete

Applications: 1965/72 F100/350 / Dozens still available NOS.