88 F250 Steering Column

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Feb 13, 2010 | 04:23 PM

SHW300

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88 F250 Steering Column

I have a 88 F250 Diesel. I replaced the ignition switch (not key switch) by lowering the steering column, now the truck will not shift into anything but reverse. I have disconnected the linkage at the transmission & the lock is in the steering column, not the transmission. Thw wheels turn freely, so the bind is somewhere in the shift linkage. What is the problem & what did I do wrong? Thanks

Feb 13, 2010 | 05:27 PM

Blue Rebel

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From: Cottage Grove, WI

The end of one of the rods probably fell/popped out of its hole. Gonna have to drop the column again and see whats going on.

Feb 13, 2010 | 06:05 PM

SHW300

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Please excuse my ignorance. Is there a schematic or diagram of the shift lever in the steering column. I only let the steering column down about six inches. I unbolted the support that holds the steering column up. Many thanks for the help.

Feb 13, 2010 | 06:51 PM

tjc transport

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From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.

welcome to FTE.
is the reason for replacing the ignition switch because the truck would not start with the key??
i bet so.

if that is the case, your problem was most likely not with the switch, but with the upper actuator. it is a little pot metal piece in the upper column that breaks, preventing the starter from engaging. it will also break in a way that will not let your shifter work.

Feb 13, 2010 | 07:04 PM

SHW300

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That was the problem. The rod will not push the ign switch hard enough to engage the starter but it will turn on all electronics. Will I have to remove the steering wheel to fix this problem? What do I need to do next? I installed a push button start button to bypass the start problem.

Is there a way to get to the upper column without removing the steering wheel?

Feb 13, 2010 | 07:14 PM

tjc transport

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From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.

you will need to remove the wheel and dig a little deeper. the part is only around $13 from the dealer, and takes a few hours to change.
here is a very good breakdown of the actuator replacement

http://fullsizebronco.com/forum/showthread.php?t=70454