Auto to Manual steering column

[nbalcom]

I'm hoping to save a few bucks and be able to use the stock automatic steering column in my 1997 Ranger rather than buy something. (3.0 Auto to 5.0 manual)

I've physically removed the shift lever by unbolting it from the bracket on the column. It should look just fine if I can come up with a black upper cover from a manual trans truck. But I ran into a couple things:

1. There were 2 wires that came right out of the shift lever. I unplugged these from a connector a ways down the column. What did these do and any negative side effects from leaving unplugged?

2. Another issue will be what I believe was a switch that is almost like a limit switch, closed while in park I assume - this was a little round part with a three wire connector, and a plunger that engaged some linkage on the shifter. I removed this - what do I do with the 3 wires so that I'll be able to get current to the starter?

Thanks in advance. I hope some one can save me the trouble of figuring this out, wiring is my least favorite thing to do.

 

[Snoranger]

1) Overdrive on/off switch... ignore them.


2) park/brake interlock (locks the shifter in park, unlocks when you step on the brake)... no longer needed.

 

[nbalcom]

That is great info. Thanks for your knowledge!

On another note, I can't seem to figure out how to remove the shift cable where it mounts on the steering column bracket. Any one know?

 

[RangerSVT]

Just like an e brake cable, and the shifter cable on the trans end, it has two clips you squeeze and hold together, then push it towards the shift lever. Then just pop it off the shift lever...

SVT

 

[nbalcom]

OK, a flashlight and a different angle and I could see what I was up against. There is a round hole below the square deal the cable goes through. I pushed there and was able to slide the cable out of the column's bracket.

Thanks to both for your insight. That is all my stupid questions for the moment!

 

[Snoranger]

You havent asked any stupid questions..... Yet.