my 93 F150 E40d has a lot of play in the shifter on the sterring column. at first it you put it in drive by feel since the indicator and the "D" did not line up when in drive. Now its gotten a lot of play and its not shifting the truck into park all the time. how do adjust the linkage or the shifter on the steering column?

thanks,

Wes

 

Sounds like the little plate at the end of the shift tube is loose, couple of little bolts hold it in place if I remember correctly.

Drop the column down some to see it. The shift tube itself may be broke too.

Either one is a common problem.

 

thx, possibly any photos or links to one?

wes

 

No but its fairly easy to drop the column down, remove the plastic valance under the dash.

Remove the two column retaining nuts closest to the firewall of the 4 holding the column to the bottom of the dash first (4 nuts on studs pointing about straight down).

Then remove the two closest to you, that will allow the column to drop down.
If you have a auto trans be careful of the shift indicator cable, it attaches to the shift lever on the passenger side of the column and runs under it to the drivers side up to the needle.
It can be disconnected at the passenger side by spinning the little adjuster wheel to loosen it first for slack in the cable, then remove the loop from its post. Then unscrew the adjuster wheel until the cable end is free.

When you reconnect it just reverse removal, once the dash is back in place up tight to the bottom of the dash use the little adjuster wheel to adjust the cable so it correctly reflects the gear the truck is in at any given point.

You will see the shift tube on top of the column, it is held in place by straps. They could also be loose.

All of this will be clear once you get into it.

Be sure not to pull any wires and such as you lower the column, support its weight with whatever is handy.

 

ok, found the problem... two torx bolts at the end column that connects the shifter to the actual shift cable are very loose. will have to buy a torx that fits. any idea what size they are. thanks again for the help & very detailed response.

wes

 

No I do not recall the size, can you get one out and take it with you?

You'd really be better of buying a set of torx bits if you can, like for 3/8" drive, you will need them in time anyway.

Oh and your welcome, glad I could be of some help.