96 Explorer Hard to get into Park?

[BillRod]

Hi All

I am looking at picking up another Explorer.
1996, Pushrod 4.0L Automatic trans.

The seller says:
" shift counsel needs some work, has a hard time going into park but its not the transmission"

I know that Console is misspelled but other than that does anyone have any experience with this issue?

Thanks in advance.
Bill

 

[shane96ranger]

Usually when this happens, there are some bolts on the column that become loose. There's also a bushing that gets sloppy. I just helped my Buddy fix a Ranger with this issue at his shop back in June. Wish I had taken a picture to show you.

 

[shane96ranger]

Although not an Explorer, this is similar. As you can see in this photo, one of the torx screws is backed out of the inner most strap on the shift tube. This is pretty common in Ford columns. The bushing I speak of is under each of the two straps.