Shift tube

[pltmgr]

1968 Ranger, 1978 C6 auto, 1971 ps steering column.

Replacing the shift collar. Any trick regarding getting the shift tube back into the shift lever without taking entire column out of the truck.

thanks

[fordman]

May actually be easier with column still mounted. The two bolts staying in place is the hardest part. Someone on here once said something about putting a rubberband to hold the bolts in place.

[sargentrs]

Are you talking about the shift lever at the bottom of the column? No secret, just patience and persistence. If I ever have to remove the shift collar again, I swear I'm going to drill and tap a hole in the end of those bolts so I can screw an extension rod into them and pull them up to start the nuts.

[canadiancobra]

I find removing the column is easiest route. Hot glue works good to hold 2 bolts in place. great task to improve your patient! Good Luck.

[AZf100]

May god bless you and try to keep the curse words to a minimum, one of the most difficult things I've done

[BobbyFord]

I recently disassembled and painted my column. The column is incredibly easy to remove and much easier to work on out of the truck.

[fordman]

I like the hot glue idea

[tac]

Put the bolts and nuts loosely on the collar first. When they are loose you can install it on the column, then tighten them all of the way down.

[AZf100]

I Never thought of putting them in the column first, Sarg mentioned this to me he other day, I'm sure not gonna take it apart to try it. I'll take your word for it.