Ford truck, sloppy shifter explained, cheap or free repair

This is a good visual on the causes and fixes for the loose shifter lever problem on ford trucks.

[lsdleighssilverdesigns]

Bro, you just saved me a fortune on that shifter bolts trick. Ty very much

[adamp]

2003 F150 XLT 5.4 here. I have been dealing with the shifter getting progressively looser the last few years, and it finally got so bad that the truck stopped starting in Park, and I would have to put it in Neutral and then it would start. The linkage was so sloppy it didn’t hold in Park enough for it to engage the ignition. Then it got worse, after driving the truck when I would go to put it in park, after a few seconds it would slip into reverse. Very dangerous. Watched this video at work, got home, grabbed my torx screwdriver set, and searched for those two screws. Sure enough they were both super loose. Tightened them up really good, and wow brand new truck. Shifts into each gear super tight, and everything works perfect again. Thank you so much! Best video out here on this issue. Probably a ton of people that can benefit from this. Greatly appreciated.

[tomjones]

This very video was exactly right! It took me less than 10 minutes to look under, see that the mounting screws were loose, get the tools, tighten the 2 screws up, and drive the truck. Shifter problem completely solved! Thank you so much! I’m a new subscriber for sure!

[Dior]

found this after talking about my loose shifter... theyre watching

[USSiR]

Part numbers:
Gear Shifter Assembly: 5C3Z-7210-AAA
Shift Tube: F57Z-7212-A
Shift tube bushing: F3TZ-7L278-A
Shifter lever pin: F0DZ-7G357-A
The pin in the video looks like the Doorman one (924-440)
Bolts for the clamps: N806584-S437

[H]

Great video, explaining this problem. This is a massive issue on these many older Ford’s that use this shifter system. Ford used this system was used for years in anything from the Taurus to the Crown Victoria, Windstar & Ranger. I honestly almost think it should’ve been a possible recall, same with the shift indicator issue too.

[johnschmidt]

Dude, you're the man. I just finished rear brakes and decided putting away my tools I would look on YouTube to find info on the shifter that became looser and first thing I found is you. So I went to my truck to look under the steering column and "low & behold" what's on the floor is that T-30 fine thread bolt. It was the upper left bolt, I used a 3/8 drive T-30 socket, 2" ext. & a thumb wheel adaptor & ratchet. Easy, TY also very much.

[nofortunatesonII]

A+, thank-you for posting. You covered all the issues for slop in the shifter on these vehicles. If you want to pick these up at your local auto parts store the info is: Dorman Transmission Shift Rod Bushing 905-107. Price is around $6.99 for the pair. These bushings made a huge difference for my Ranger. I would suggest using some sort of plastic compatible grease on the inside of the bushing.

[kentpayne]

Thanks for the help, got my shifter bolts tightened up and fixed my problem I had been putting up with for 2 years

[raynic]

Thanks my friend...one of the issues i have to tackle on my ford van...🎉

[Msmcfearless]

Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom. This is exactly what was wrong with my husband's truck. Tightened those 2 screws and it shifted properly. God bless you. 🙌🏽🙏🏽🙋🏽‍♀️🙋‍♂️

[treelineresearch]

This is the most in depth analysis I've seen on the floppy shifter problem. The old F250 7.3 I just bought has the flop but the torx bolts are tight, after seeing this I suspect it's worn bushings on the tube causing it.

[mattpresto]

I just had to replace my shift tube in my 2001 f250, I went to put the key cylinder lock back into the column and ran into a problem. The key will start the truck, turn to run, and stop just before where off would be and the key wont come out. The key will only come out when I take the cylinder back out. I tried a new Cylinder lock/key and same issue. I took out plastic retainer behind the cylinder and that metal guide plate to get to the gear, I turned the gear with a flathead and same thing it stops right about where off position is and won't go past into ACC. I would be really appreciative of any advice you could give me. Thank you

[Biro]

Best video on this topic so far. A+ Covers all possibilities.

[donaldtenn]

Thanks, Bulldog! My shifter was sloppy and then eventually broke, no shifting! A little research made me think it MAY be the cable. But, hands-on research showed me the cable is fine!

The issue on my 98' Ford E-350 is where the end of the shift rod transitions to a plate. There is a very specialized piece that fits in there.

Initially, a friend was helping, and he bent a 1/4x20 bolt and stuck it in there, DEFINITELY TEMPORARY, as after a couple of weeks the bolt was laying on the floor Fortunately, I was able to get under the van, shift the van and get back home.

So now... I am going to make the permanent repair. Or... as permanent as possible with what is obviously a design flaw.

I have an awful lot of brackets underneath my column. I find it hard to believe all of those brackets are stock. When my catalytic converter was stolen, I was then told that my van was a special make and the cat was not available.

Anyway, I have got to drop my entire column to get in there. AND... I have already removed quite a few brackets to get to the point where I can kinda see the transition plate. Well, I gotta get in there, so I am gonna find another video that shows how to drop that column. I HIGHLY DOUBT, any video will show all of the steel brackets that I am seeing.

Oh, if you're not too busy, can you make the repairs to my shift rod and transition plate? We can make another video, and I will handle the camera!

Thanks again, brother! Best to you!

[yearssober]

Just replaced the shift tube and rod in my 2004 F350. I did it without removing the column but if I ever have to do it again I will remove the column.

[USSiR]

Thanks for the thorough and detailed explanation. I replaced my bushings but there was still some slop, I'll check the other place you mentioned.

[losmetalsindustrialrecords]

Now this is the best video on this topic!! Thank you sir

[r]

For people who are wondering, the bolts for the shift tube clamps are the same bolts that go into the back of the shift tube and connects the linkage

[jimcarrera]

Thanks for the visual aid! helps alot! I have a Mazda b3000 year 2000, and the screw was loose enough and broke of a piece of the threads inside. So you can see half of the threads. What would the part name be if i wanted to order it to get replace.