Shift tubes a problem on older Rangers?

[ekrampitzjr]

A member on another forum (not automotive) mentioned he had had to replace the shift tube on his 1998 Ranger for the second time. Here's what he said:

2 days ago the steering column shift tube in my 98 Ranger broke for the second time, I pulled the steering wheel out, removed the shift column and plunger and replaced it with a new one.

My eye were better last time I did it, but this time I was smarter.

7 hours of busting ass, got it done in one day.

The hardest part was the electrical connections, they were welded together, I broke the restraining tabs off most of them.

Bloody knuckles.

When I asked why this happened, here was his response:

1. Because it's made in China
2.The plastic o rings dry out and that adds torque to the rotating column. (that rotates inside said plastic rings)

This time I took out the plastic gaskets and laid heavy vaseline between them and the aluminum frame, then I also added heavy vaseline on top of the plastic rings where the aluminum shift column rests.
Also I think this one is closer to specs, it rotates easier=shifts easier.

But yours will probably break soon.
It's a given.

Or if you're lucky just the two T-30 bolts that hold on the shift cable bracket will back out and fall at your feet and the shifter won't work.
Definitely use thread lock putting those two bolts in.

There don't seem to be any threads here discussing having to replace the shift tube. Have any of you had to deal with it or did you know anyone who did?

 

[pjtoledo]

I've done it on a couple of older Taurus' that have similar steering column parts.