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Automatic Shifter Column

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Old Aug 7, 2007 | 11:50 PM
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Automatic Shifter Column

Ok so anyhow...the last couple of days ive noticed shifting from P R N D 2 1 any way up down.....is EXTREMELY stiff...it takes a lote more than it used to, so linkage is what i felt, and I checked the out side linkage to the tranny (not in the steering wheel) and cleaned it up (but they werent that dirty, just normal nothing like build up) and it still is doing it...im thinking its going out...or just something in the steering column. anyone else have this problem? and what did you do to fix it?



also i was changing my tires today and i noticed this awhile ago there is a tube on the passenger side (front) that leaks coolant every now and then. I would get a picture but my camera took a whirly ride in the washing machine...is the hole on the bottom supposed to be covered? it looks like a cover on it was (is) ripped...


thanks
 
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Old Aug 8, 2007 | 07:18 AM
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It could be that the shift collar at the top of the column is about to fail. It is made of a cheap pot metal and is known to let go.

Do you have factory air conditioning (or any airconditioning). That tube might be the drain tube for the condensor coil. It is normal for water to come out of it while the a/c is running. But if it really is antifreeze, then your heater core needs to be replaced (if you have the factory A/C)
 
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Old Aug 8, 2007 | 08:17 AM
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Faulty shift collar.

Upper and lower steering column bearings/sleeves worn.

Worn or missing snap in plastic bushing in the steering column selector lever, bottom of the column. This is where the shift rod attaches.

Worn or missing snap in plastic bushing in the bellcrank, mounted to rear of intake manifold.

Worn or missing snap in plastic bushing on the manual control lever...where the shift rod attaches.

In addition to the previously mentioned A/C evaporator core drain hose, there's a cowl panel water drain rubber hose that routes from the cowl panel to underneath the truck.
 

Last edited by NumberDummy; Aug 8, 2007 at 08:19 AM.
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Old Aug 8, 2007 | 01:21 PM
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IMO, The cab is sagging putting extra tension on shifter system causing it to bind.
 
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Old Aug 8, 2007 | 08:51 PM
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it is factory ac and im not exactly sure if it is coolant I will check next time......


with the shifter column i checked by the intake manifold and all the out side and it seems fine...so i think it is within the steering column how do I take that apart?

mil1ion you said cab sagging? from old age? it just recently within the last 3 days maybe a little more than that got extremely stiff... i know that my springs are sagged about 1 1/2 to 2 inches...would that be the cause?
 
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Old Aug 8, 2007 | 09:07 PM
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Sagging springs won't cause because springs don't change the geometry between the cab and transmission. Rusty or collapsed cab mounts allow the cab to sag closer to the trans and can bind the linkage.
 
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Old Aug 8, 2007 | 09:35 PM
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well its not rusty under there :-)

how would i be able to tell if they are collapsed?
 
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Old Aug 8, 2007 | 09:41 PM
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To completely check the column you need to remove it and put it on a bench for disassembly.
 
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Old Aug 8, 2007 | 09:53 PM
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what would happen if i left it for now? as it is my daily driver, it is kind of hard to take a part when i need it ever day....i work 6-6 so nights are kind of out (drywall eh)
 
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Old Aug 8, 2007 | 10:14 PM
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Undo the linkage at the trans and then see how easy the shifter mechanism in the column is when you move it to various positions.Listen for scraping noises
 
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Old Aug 9, 2007 | 08:56 PM
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riddle me this ....

today i got up...it still was hard to put it into reverse and drive and that, i go to work...leave about an hour later to get some extra greenboard..come back it is still hard, i have to move my truck for someone and it is easy again and hasnt been stiff at all since, easy up easy down just like normal is there a big problem?
 
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