Take one of the two plastic pivot bushings. They are the same so it doesn't
matter which one.

I'm assuming you removed one of the pivot pins. One of them must be
removed before you can install the new lower bushing.

Take a good look at the bushing. On one end it has some notches on it.
Take a wavy washer and place it against that end. Take the retainer and
snap it on to the end of the bushing which will at the same time press the
wavy washer against the bushing.

If you also have a thin flat shim I'd place that first against the bushing, then
the wavy washer then the retainer.

The purpose of the wavy washer is to place some pressure on the bushing
so it presses against the retainer pins.

Place the assembled bushing in to the shifter plate housing.

Hopefully the transmission is in the neutral.

Install the shifter stub.

Install the pivot pin. Use loctite on the pin.

Assemble the other bushing with the wavy washer and retainer.

Install the bushing.

Install the retainer cover paper gasket.

Install the retainer plate.

If you look at the old retainer plate you'll see there is a rubber
seal the shifter stub goes thru. That usually wears out and lets
some oil out of the transmission cover. That's why purchasing a
new one is a good idea.

Install the 3 torx bolts.

Also one of the modifications to the trans. was to replace 3 rubber
plugs on the back edge of the shifter cover plate with some brass
freeze plugs.

Over the years the rubber plugs shrink and let oil out of the trans.

 

Thanks for the detailed procedure. Plan to knock out after work tomorrow. Hopefully the housing cover and pins will be in stock at the Ford dealer so I can get them in the morning. Also, my packet of shims was supposed to have 4 but only had 2 so I'll have to see if the parts department will make good on the error. Feeling more confident...will let you know how it goes. Many thanks.

 

Did not have much success at the Ford dealer today. I did manage to get the housing cover for $46 but they no longer make the pins. I guess I will need to try and use the old ones. Tried several of the local auto parts houses with no success on the pins, a cheaper cover, nor torx screws to hold down the housing cover. I guess I will move ahead with what I have and see if I can get it back together in working order.

 

You only have to replace the shifter pivot pins if they are worn.

The kit on E-bay includes the two pivot pins and 3 torx screws.
Why can't you reuse your 3 original torx screws?

Click on the link below for the e-bay auction

Ford F150 Ranger Explorer M5R1 / M5R2 Shifter Repair: eBay Motors (item 190329417479 end time Jul-14-10 16:53:37 PDT)

 

The online kit is a much better deal and includes all the items. I thought I could get everything locally and only pay a small premium for being able to get started that much quicker. Or so I thought. I'll make better use of online searches going forward.

Just came back in from the attempt to remove the pins. The one on the driver side came with no difficulty. I cannot get the pin on the pass side removed even using the method outlined in the pics.

Is is necessary to remove both pins? I assume for inspection purposes but I think the bushing should slide in there with only 1 pin removed per the sequence detail outlined above?

The condition of the d/s pin showed wear on the end of the pin such that it wasn't really flat on the end any longer. A little taper on both sides.

I think I can move forward if I do not need to remove the p/s pin and the d/s pin is in satisfactory condition. Otherwise I have to find the pins before additional progress can be made. That may take a few days as I will probably have to order online and wait on delivery.

 

Only need to remove one pin so you can slide the bottom bushing in place.

Can you use the old pin and just turn the pin to a different position?

The pins are just pressed in. No splines on them. I've always used a large flat chisel and
with a hammer, knocked it sideways against the pin to push it out.

 

I'll see if the old pin will work better in a different position. It's not too hard to take this thing apart so I guess if the old pin will work temporarily I can order the new set and replace once it comes in. Do you think the old pin will do any damage to the new bushings and springs on a temporary basis?

 

The shifter pivot ball rides on the pins. I think the reason why the pins get so much wear is the plastic bushings crack and then the shifter pivot ball has a lot of play and wears down the pins. You should have no problem if the pins show little wear and they fit tight in the shifter plate cover.

 

The shifter pivot ball rides on the pins. I think the reason why the pins get so much wear is the plastic bushings crack. The shifter pivot ball has a lot of play and wears the pins.

You should have no problem using the old pins if the pins show little wear and they fit tight in the shifter plate cover.

 

Reassembled everything this morning and took a quick test run to the local fast food joint for a cup of morning swill. Works like a charm. I will probably replace the pins as soon as I can get a set but for now it is a vast improvement. Couldn't have done this without you fellas. Thanks for walking me thru this.