73 f100 gear selector issues

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Mar 20, 2010 | 11:09 PM

martinj1977

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From: Skiatook

73 f100 gear selector issues

Ok.. So i just got this 73 complete f100 for free. The only thing wrong so far is the shift column. When you try to put it in gear the lever moves up and down but does not engage. Free moving.. The guy told me "Who gave me the truck" a whole new steering column would need to be replaced and all parts with it. Could this be a linkage issue or maybe some internal part shot? I am not mechanic so I have no clue what I am doing. Figure with a free truck. I can learn for once.LOL Transmission is a 3 speed auto, but not sure if its the c4- or c6 yet.
Thanks for any suggestions

Mar 21, 2010 | 12:05 AM

Bowtie_Schmowtie

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From: Western N.C.

Verify that the linkage is attached to something first. Look at the bottom of the column under the hood. You will see an arm that extends toward the engine. This arm should have a rod attached to it, and you will be able to look back and see if it is attached to the trans selector lever.

Mar 21, 2010 | 05:57 AM

mikeo0o0o0

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From: Stanley, VA

Another real common problem is the gear shift socket. That's the part on the steering column below the steering wheel that the gear shift lever goes into. It's a die casting and cracks internally.
To check and/or replace the socket you need to pull the steering wheel and turn signal switch.
It may seem a little intimidating (especially the t/s wiring) the first time you work on a steering column but it's not really difficult. Get a GOOD manual (factory Ford manuals are the best) and take your time.
If you run into a problem post it on this forum and we can get you an answer.
Here is a picture of the part I'm talking about.
P.S. Free is a really, really good price.

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Mar 21, 2010 | 11:28 AM

martinj1977

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From: Skiatook

Thanks Mike.. I did check the linkage and everything was fine. So I will pull the steering wheel and check the socket. Yeah you can not beat free. Farmer next door gave it to me for all the livestock Ive saved him. Never knew hunting coyotes would lead me to a restore project.lol

Mar 21, 2010 | 11:37 AM

mikeo0o0o0

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From: Stanley, VA

Another item to check while the steering wheel is off is the shift tube. I've seen these go bad also.
The tube has a "lug" welded to it and sometimes this breaks loose.
The shift socket I was talking about in my last post fits around this part, it's a hollow metal tube that goes from the gearshift down the column. The other end has an arm that stick out in the engine compartment, this is what the linkage hooks to.

Mar 21, 2010 | 11:51 AM

mikeo0o0o0

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From: Stanley, VA

Here's a picture of the shift tube.

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Mar 21, 2010 | 02:08 PM

martinj1977

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From: Skiatook

Eh.. Looked all over online for these parts. I can not find them anywhere. Found the shift socket. NPD calls it a upper steering collar, but out of stock. The other part I can not locate. I think the correct # is E3TZ-7212-D but not foresure