Ford Shift Tube and Shaft Replacement Instructions
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The vehicle used in this example is a 1999 Ford Pickup truck. This section will detail the disassembly and replacement of the shift tube and shaft on a Ford tilt steering column..
This design is used on most Ford and Mercury vehicles from 1991 through 2006 including many car models. These instructions work for both styles
DISASSEMBLY
1) Set the wheels in the straight-ahead position before beginning.
Disconnect the battery.
2) Remove the lower panel(s) to gain access. Often an instrument face panel needs to be removed also.
3) Remove the ignition lock cylinder. To accomplish this, turn the lock to the “on” position. Under the column housing where the lock cylinder is, is an access hole.
Depress the pin inside this hole and slide the lock cylinder out.
4) Remove the lower steering column cover. To accomplish this, you will need to remove the screws securing the two covers together
5) Remove the upper cover.
6) Remove the shift string indicator to avoid breaking this delicate piece during the rest of this procedure.
7) Carefully remove the 4 nuts securing the column to the dashboard. The 2 closest to the driver should be removed completely while the inner 2 can be loosened to control the drop height of the column.
Let the steering wheel and column rest on the seat
8) Disconnect the shift cable from the shift tube at the base of the column (on the top side of the column). It simply snaps off the ball socket.
9) Remove the 6 gold colored screws securing the shift tube to the column housing. These screws, the 2 u-brackets and the black plastic bushings should be inspected for wear and/or damage and replaced if needed.
The lower shift detent bracket does not come off completely.
10) Carefully remove the tube from the vehicle rotating it through the shift detent bracket.
You now have the shift assembly in hand. The brackets bushings, spring and pins need to be transferred to the new tube and shaft.
When replacing the broken pieces, carefully check each of them for wear and or damage. The inner shaft is usually bent which is what causes the tube to break.
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REASSEMBLY
11) Transfer the lower bracket and spring, making sure the bolts are tight on the new tube.
12) When installing the new bushings, lubricate the tube and bracket with a small amount of grease to help make shifting easier.
Now the shaft is ready to reinstall.
13) Carefully rotate and install the shift tube assembly, avoiding the detent bracket. Seat the shaft in position and check for any trapped brackets or wires.
14) Secure the u-brackets and torx bolts. Pull the shift lever towards you when tightening these bolts to release the pressure against the detent positions.
15) Reinstall the shift cable to the lower bracket.
16) Carefully install the upper steering column cover and lock cylinder.
17) Raise the column and tighten it to the dash.
18) Reattach the shift indicator string and adjust for all the shift positions to align properly.
19) Install the lower column cover and tilt lever.
20) Install the lower dash panel.
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