Automatic gear selector problem...HELP! **UPDATED**

[stang1986gt]

thats a roll pin you drive it out with a punch.

That's what I thought. I tried driving it out, but it wouldn't budge so I didn't push it too hard (and I was using a sharp screw driver, not a punch). I just wanted to make sure that's how it comes out.

Thanks!

[FORDification]

If you have to replace both the collar and the shift lever, there's no reason to drive that pin out though.

I couldn't really tell from those pics, since they're kinda small, so I'll take your word for it that the shift lever tab is worn out. If it was OK, I'd suggest that because the hole for the shifter mount (where that roll pin is) is wallered out, it's possible that the excess slop simply wasn't allowing you enough movement to get the tab into the slot.

I might have a spare shift lever, but it's not the painted kind like you have...it's the later chromed version. I'm not sure though. I'll be at the shop on Sunday and will see if I can dig that up.

[stang1986gt]

Hey, that would be great. I appreciate it. I tried to get you bigger pictures, but I have dial up at home and I can't get them uploaded. I'll try to post larger pics tomorrow from work to see what your thoughts are on the lever.

I did hold everything back together after looking at it, and I couldn't get the tab to slip in the hole no matter what position I put it in. The tab looks wider than the hole to me.

Thanks again for all the help! I'm excited to fix this problem as I've dealt with it ever since we've had the truck.

[stang1986gt]

Ok, here are larger pics in case anyone needs them. Keith, what do you think? (The pictures still suck, but they are the best I could get...sorry for the size, but I wanted to show more detail.)

Thanks!

[FORDification]

Well, you definitely need a new collar....heh....that part's obvious. And yes, it does appear that the end of the shifter lever is boogered up.

Incidentally, those lock plates ARE available. Well, sort of. They're listed here for $14:

http://www.carolina-classics.com/Detail ... ategory=22


...unfortunately, it says they're out of stock. However, I doubt you'll need it, but you'll have to verify that.

[stang1986gt]

The lock plate that I have seems to be ok. I just purchased a NOS Ford collar from Ebay. so now all I need is a good shift lever and I'll be good to go. (Let me know if you have a chance to look for one...there aren't many junk yards left around this area that have older cars/trucks, so it would be very much appreciated!)

Have a good weekend guys!

DW

[FORDification]

OK, got some good close-up pictures of how this park lock is supposed to work.

Here's a shot of the lock plate and the tab at the end of the shift lever:



However, there seems to be a problem. It seems that the tab at the end of the shift lever doesn't extend far enough into the slot to truly lock it into place. In this picture, I'm holding the lock plate down onto the end of the shift lever, and it's as far as it can go:



As you can see, the tab doesn't even extend halfway into the slot! If the tab at the end of your shift lever is worn at all, then it's going to pop out pretty easily. Mine doesn't appear to be as bad as yours, but it still seems to be worn enough that it wouldn't do you much good.

Sorry I couldn't help you, but at least we now know why these trucks pop out of gear so darned easily! Man, this is a poor design.

[stang1986gt]

Wow...good pictures. Yep, my tab is completely flat...it doesn't have the raised part.

That really is a poor design. Wow.

Thanks so much for taking the time to post this! In all the research I've done, this is the most information I've found. Perhaps you can make this a sticky or an article or something showing why we have trouble keeping these trucks in park. I wonder if one got a real good lever if he could file the tab so there's more that can actually stick though the hole? Seems like the spring would be strong enough to push it in a little deeper...looks like the base of the tab is what's keeping it from going through the hole. It just looks as if you could file the base around the part of the tab that actually fits through the hole, it would allow the protruding tab to seat further in the hole.

Is that lever you have in the picture an extra? Would you be willing to sell it? I know doesn't look a whole lot better than mine, but in reality it is because I don't have any tab left at all. I can't seem to find a lever anywhere. If you can't help, do you know any sources for this?

[Chasbod]

Any chance one could weld up some metal on the lever and grind it to reform the tab?

[FORDification]

I just added this thread to the Sticky Threads section in the Registered Users Only forum, for future reference.

Chasbod: the shift lever is pot metal, so you really can't weld on it. You COULD get a new shift lever and then file the edges of the tab to allow it to go into the slot farther. However, while the Park feature will be enhanced, the other gear positions will be slightly diminished....meaning it could be easier for someone to accidentally shift into Neutral or Reverse while driving, obviously not a good thing. That smaller tab landing goes into the notches in the lock plate and prevent such an occurance, but if you were to grind those down, you'll fix the Park problem but increase problems in other areas.

I'll have to give this some thought and see if there's a better way....well, other than the obvious fix of just replacing the shift lever.

stang1986gt: I don't need this shift lever, so it's yours for the cost of shipping if you're interested. Just PM me your shipping address. I'd be including the shift collar with it, because I couldn't get the darned roll pin out, and even ended up ruining the collar when trying to remove it.

[stang1986gt]

PM sent. Thanks so much!

[stang1986gt]

stang1986gt: I don't need this shift lever, so it's yours for the cost of shipping if you're interested. Just PM me your shipping address. I'd be including the shift collar with it, because I couldn't get the darned roll pin out, and even ended up ruining the collar when trying to remove it.

Keith, did you ever have a chance to find out how much shipping would be? Let me know and I'll send you a check (or money order...whichever you prefer).

Thanks again!
DW

[FORDification]

Not yet. I'll be at the shop tomorrow and will get that boxed up for you and will let you know then. Stand by.

[stang1986gt]

Not a problem at all, man, and no hurry. I just wanted to make sure I didn't miss something.

Thanks, and have a good weekend!

DW

[69 F100 LWB]

Any chance one could weld up some metal on the lever and grind it to reform the tab?

From experience I can say, "Don't try to weld it up and then re-contour it". It takes the weld, but trying to get the correct angles is a nightmare!! I must have spent 3 DAYS trying to get mine right! And it still isn't right. I hit a lot of local salvage yards and they were all showing the worn tab.

So if someone has a source for new lever... Please let us know!!