HELP! Need help with shift rod bushing

[Ford_Doctor]

Okay, here's the scoop. I slid under my truck (of course it's raining) and found that my '68 doesn't use a plastic bushing at the trans manual lever. So I checked the parts text catalog at work today and found that only '69 and up use the bushing. After about 15 supersessions I found that the part is still available and the current part number is EOSZ-7341-B. It's about $3.00 but the catch is that they only come in packs of three.

Here's a pic of the little bugger:

[Ford_Doctor]

This has really sparked my curiosity. While my trans lever does not use a bushing the lever at the end of the steering column does. Mine is red and is smaller than the one I found for the '69 and up trans lever. The problem I have is that a newer column has been installed in the my truck so it is possibly not correct.

If I could ask forum members to take some pics of the automatic column linkage lever and email them to me so I can further research this. I'd possibly like one for every year, trans etc, so be sure to list this info along with the pic.

[390Nut]

No pic of it, but the shifter linkage on the `74 had a red bushing where it connected to the steering column. 360/C6 truck.

[flyboy2610]

No pic of it, but the shifter linkage on the `74 had a red bushing where it connected to the steering column. 360/C6 truck.

Since I now own that column and shifter linkage, I'll confirm that.

[stang1986gt]

First of all, thanks thanks so much to everyone that's put so much time in researching this!

I looked at my truck as far as where the rod attaches to the steering column tonight, and on mine, the rod comes up through a metal block. The end of the rod is threaded and there is a nut against the top of the block (for adjusting). The back of the block has a small rod that goes through an "ear" (for lack of a better word) that comes from the steering column. The block is held through the ear by an "E" clip. If anyone needs a picture of this, I can try sometime this weekend.

As for the bottom of the rod that goes through the transmission linkage (where my bushing is missing) there is an "E" clip on that as well. I assume the bushing goes in the trans linkage, the rod goes through the hole in the bushing, and the "E" clip keeps the rod from slipping back out.

Thanks for the part # Ford Doctor. Someone else mentioned the "Help" line at the auto parts store...I wonder if this is the same type bushing? I'll look tomorrow and if I find it, I'll get a picture and post it. Otherwise I'll simply order the 3-pack from Ford and I'll have a couple of extras should I or anyone else need them.

EDIT: Wouldn't one of these work? http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDeta ... mber=14041

[fourtss]

I found an old nylon bushing lying around takin up space so I decided to make a bushing for my linkage. First, I found correct size of rod linkage, then opened center hole with that drill bit, after getting proper hole drilled I down sized the bit two sizes put the bit through the hole and put it up against the grinder wheel, let it roll gently against grinder until proper fit then taadaa I was done, works great took about ten minutes to complete plus the nearest parts store is about 26 miles away.

[ToughOldFord]

As for the bottom of the rod that goes through the transmission linkage (where my bushing is missing) there is an "E" clip on that as well. I assume the bushing goes in the trans linkage, the rod goes through the hole in the bushing, and the "E" clip keeps the rod from slipping back out.


EDIT: Wouldn't one of these work? http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDeta ... mber=14041

There shouldn't be an e-clip on that end. The bushing is what hold the rod to the transmission shift lever. The bushing snaps onto the rod and then into the lever. There isn't even a grove for an e-clip. Sounds like yours has been modified or you have the older shift rod as Ford Doctor is showing they didn't use the bushing pre-69.
Those Motormite sure look like the right animal.

[stang1986gt]

Got ya. I may very well have the older set up. I think my truck may be an early 69, but I can't remember the number right now, so maybe that's it. Who knows. I do know the rod is flopping around in the hole...not good. I bought the motormite set and I'll post the results after I have a chance to put the bushing on.

[390Nut]

No pic of it, but the shifter linkage on the `74 had a red bushing where it connected to the steering column. 360/C6 truck.

Since I now own that column and shifter linkage, I'll confirm that.

Not much left of that bushing, if I recall. Tore up pretty bad when I tried to pry it from the column.

[stang1986gt]

Welp, put the new bushing on that I bought in the Motormite kit from Autozone. Fits like a glove. Didn't help the sloppy shifter, but at least there's a bushing where it's supposed to be. haha.