Shift lever on the column...
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Joined: Nov 2006
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From: North of Greenville
Shift lever on the column...
Has anyone ever tried using a tubing bender to reshape the gear shift "shaft" on the column?
Before you think I'm absolutely nuts, I've been looking my cab over for future potenial, and that blamed gear shift end is right smak in the way of the open area on the dash where I could otherwise see a guage (or soemthing else) between the steering wheel rim and the padded center.
Just something I've been wondering about. Who knows, maybe you'll think I'm absolutely nuts anyway.
Before you think I'm absolutely nuts, I've been looking my cab over for future potenial, and that blamed gear shift end is right smak in the way of the open area on the dash where I could otherwise see a guage (or soemthing else) between the steering wheel rim and the padded center.
Just something I've been wondering about. Who knows, maybe you'll think I'm absolutely nuts anyway.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 807
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From: Prince George, BC
i put a volt guage there and i can see it fine when im driving, maybe cause i am not the tallest guy so i dont sit as high but i must have a better view angle or something. i thought the same thing as you before i started drilling holes, but i figured even if i couldnt see it fully it is still there and i just have to look at a different angle to see it.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,584
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From: Millbrook Alabama
Leave it to the engineer(f250_) to want to "fix" somethin that aint broken.... sit on a phonebook, I think BHM has a pretty thick one....(J.K.)
I don't know Pete, I'm with Ponch on this one, too many wires to worry about crimping, or pinching, or stretching.
Come on now, what "or something else", were you thinking of putting in there?
I don't know Pete, I'm with Ponch on this one, too many wires to worry about crimping, or pinching, or stretching.
Come on now, what "or something else", were you thinking of putting in there?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,497
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From: Central, Al
Originally Posted by bdrummonds
what "or something else", were you thinking of putting in there
I dont think you will be able to bend the OEM tube, But a "RE-Engineered" tube could be bent however you want it the only issue being the new tubes connection at the base.
BTW: the gearshift lever pin is a 1 time use item
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 889
Likes: 2
From: I'm there!
Floor shifter?
BTW, there's only one, very light guage, wire leading up to and back from the OD switch (so, actually two, but you know what I mean).
BTW, there's only one, very light guage, wire leading up to and back from the OD switch (so, actually two, but you know what I mean).
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 36
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From: CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO.
i just replaced my gear shifter today with a brand new one because my wires were broke inside the tube...
i took the gear shifter off and checked the (3) wires with ohm meter and found the problem.
i believe u could bend the rod no problem, just pinpoint exactly where u want to bend it and heat it with torch and bend as necessary..however u cant get all threee wires out of the tube without cutting them, also there is a plastic conduit inside the tube that u will have to get out...
id say that if u could solder the wires back together, u could do this whole job in about 1 1/2 hours..
as far as the pin goes, i reused my pin , no problem, i just drove the little pin rite back in, and it fit very tight...
the end of the gear shift where the little button is comes all apart, pretty easy, until u get to the little wire harness plug down in the gear shift,, all u need is two pair of needlenose and someone to help and it comes right out...
i hope iive been able to help u..
"the phonebook idea will be the easyest" lol
i took the gear shifter off and checked the (3) wires with ohm meter and found the problem.
i believe u could bend the rod no problem, just pinpoint exactly where u want to bend it and heat it with torch and bend as necessary..however u cant get all threee wires out of the tube without cutting them, also there is a plastic conduit inside the tube that u will have to get out...
id say that if u could solder the wires back together, u could do this whole job in about 1 1/2 hours..
as far as the pin goes, i reused my pin , no problem, i just drove the little pin rite back in, and it fit very tight...
the end of the gear shift where the little button is comes all apart, pretty easy, until u get to the little wire harness plug down in the gear shift,, all u need is two pair of needlenose and someone to help and it comes right out...
i hope iive been able to help u..
"the phonebook idea will be the easyest" lol
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Rio Rico, AZ.
A tubing bender puts a very even load on the tube being bended.
It might work ok as it will not kink the shift lever as some here are thinking, no offence guys.
Just be ready to buy a new one if it's made of pot metal and it breaks.
It might work ok as it will not kink the shift lever as some here are thinking, no offence guys.
Just be ready to buy a new one if it's made of pot metal and it breaks.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 14,541
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From: Dallas-Ft. Worth
Interesting thread... I was thinking the spot where the 4WD switch is normally located (mine's 2WD) would be a prime spot for "something else" as well, but the d@mn shifter is right in the way when in OD...
Let us know how it turns out.
Joe
Let us know how it turns out.
Joe
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Joined: Nov 2006
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From: North of Greenville
Great input guys. I really appreciate all the thoughts and insights... even the pokes in the side!!
First thing I've got to say is that I am cursed with a perpetual desire to "do it better". Drives my family nuts sometimes, but I can't seem to shut down that thougth process. Just the way I'm wired.
On the BHM phone book... yeah... it's thick enough, just not WIDE enough (for me anyway). There you go, Brandon... I've handed you some more bait... take it and run with it!! Just remmeber that what goes around comes around, (maybe you and I are in the same boat on this particular point??)
One of the "something else" things I've considered is a 3" diameter compass (one of the nautical ones that has the built-in compensated magnets). Who knows... that area is large enough to be potentially used for lots of creative things. I haven't let my imagination wander over it too much because I wasn't sure about the practicality of bending the OEM shift tube. Hadn't really thought about getting a different piece of tubing and making my own yet... that's a good thought if the OEM bending can't work.
If anyone is willing to donate their "old" shift tube, I'd be happy to pay shipping make some real efforts at fixing this "unbroken" problem.
First thing I've got to say is that I am cursed with a perpetual desire to "do it better". Drives my family nuts sometimes, but I can't seem to shut down that thougth process. Just the way I'm wired.
On the BHM phone book... yeah... it's thick enough, just not WIDE enough (for me anyway). There you go, Brandon... I've handed you some more bait... take it and run with it!! Just remmeber that what goes around comes around, (maybe you and I are in the same boat on this particular point??)
One of the "something else" things I've considered is a 3" diameter compass (one of the nautical ones that has the built-in compensated magnets). Who knows... that area is large enough to be potentially used for lots of creative things. I haven't let my imagination wander over it too much because I wasn't sure about the practicality of bending the OEM shift tube. Hadn't really thought about getting a different piece of tubing and making my own yet... that's a good thought if the OEM bending can't work.
If anyone is willing to donate their "old" shift tube, I'd be happy to pay shipping make some real efforts at fixing this "unbroken" problem.
Thread Starter
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Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: North of Greenville
Might work, but it would also make it a little harder to reach when using it... even though that's typically only twice per "run". Hmmmm.... I'm getting ready to go out for lunch, and I'll have to toy with that idea a bit while I'm starting and ending my lunch trip.
