1968 F-100 automatic shift tube questions

[oldtrucknut58]

I disassembled the column thinking I had a broken shift tube but the good news is the shift tube is in excellent condition. What appears to have happened is that the small (1/2 inch by 1 inch approximately) rectangular metal "insert" that is closest to the steering wheel which "locks" the shift tube to the shift collar allowed the shift tube to spin. The little dimple in the rectangular piece seems to have sheared just slightly and I see a scratch on the shift tube where it slipped out of the groove in the shift tube. My question is: should the rectangular piece somehow be tack welded to the shift tube? I know that the weld would be tricky because the metal insert has to slip up inside the shift collar so there can't be any excess welding material. Help! Thanks much.

[AlleyCat]

Hi and welcome to the site. Sounds like the spot weld broke. The easiest/best fix is to pull the column apart and replace the shift tube. I'm thinking it could be spot welded back on but I've never tried it.

[FORDification]

Yes, that locating tab is spot-welded. If you're handy with a welder, I see no reason why you couldn't reattach the tab. You'll have to be careful though...as I'm sure you've noticed, the shift tube is pretty thin stock, and it'll be easy to burn through. When I pulled apart the shift tube from a parts truck, I found that a previous owner had tried this and burned through the tube. Check out this link:

http://www.fordification.com/3spd-column_01.htm

..and look at Figs. 13 thru 16.

[kaptnkaos]

Hey oldtrucknut58...

I've got an auto shift tube I'm not gonna use.
You can have for the cost shipping and a donation to Fordification for whatever it's worth to ya.

KaptnKA S

[cdherman]

Silightly related question that perhaps should be discussed when deciding whether to replace or repair that tube.

My tube and lower shift arm have some "play", perhaps 1/4" at the end of the shift arm. The play is down in the bottom end of the collumn, not up top I am pretty sure. The results in a pretty sloppy shift linkage.

So replacement tubes are $50 from DC. But I think the grove in the shift arm is what is more worn in my case. Anyone make those? DC does't list them......

Maybe I can weld some in that slip groove and then file it back open. Perhaps a good metal shop would be a better choice than my hack work.

[kaptnkaos]

Hey cdherman,

I'm not sure if anyone sells new ones.
I'm sure I have some shifter arms I'm not gonna use...
I'm stickin' wif my 4-speed
Not sure what conditon they're in...
I'll check if you want... same deal as above.
You pay for the ride and make a donation to Fordifcation for what consider is a fair price for the parts.
PM me if yer interested..

KaptnKA S

[oldtrucknut58]

I appreciate all the advice and even offer for a shift tube. You guys are great. I ended up welding it back on carefully and it worked great. I have it all back together and the truck is back on the road. Thanks again for the help.