shift arm spacer - spinning?

[stepper459]

Hi all, I have a 1972 F100 with the 302 and a 3spd column shifter. Recently I became only able to shift between 2-3 and not R-1 (I couldnt pull the shifter toward myself to get to R-1, thats the only way I can think of to describe it...) . So I was able to have a friend rotate the shift arm spacer slowly while I tried to pull the shifter up (toward me, into neutral between R and 1), and suddenly it slipped into place! So I drove off happily and drove into town, shifting into 1st twice on the way at stops, then the third time it had the same issue. I pulled the shift arm spacer with a small tool (rotated it like before) and it was fixed. So I went home and what do you know, it was rotated out of place by the time I got home. So what normally keeps this from rotating? Do you think if I just replace that part it will solve it? I probably have to take it out to see, before I can tell, right? I have heard mixed reviews about disassembling 3-speed column shifters before, Im not eager to if I dont have to...

[fordman]

they are easy to rebuild. i have done 3 of them myself. the spring at the bottom of the inner shift tube is probably part of your problem or the plastic piece below it. if its rusty it wont want to let the spring pop back up to let you shift into gear. i am unsure what you mean by arm spacer though. unless you are talking about the plastic nsert inthe arm at the bottom of the column. if its worn then replace it.

[stepper459]

Well, without taking the column apart, I lubricated the shift arms and the spacer between them, and I have been driving the truck around without trouble. I think the re may have been some grit in there that was causing the spacer to rotate incorrectly or too much - I don't know, all I do know is that it seems to be working now. I'll post again if I do replace the piece to let you all know what I find. Thanks!