1993 Ranger Auto shifter cable replace procedure

[sunrse777]

Anyone know if this is written up anywhere? I believe it broke at the steering column end. Under truck is still intact. What do I hjave to do to replace this cable ? 1993 Ranger 4.0 liter, Automatic, 4wd...... Thanks...

 

[arco777]

Attached are shots from the Ford service CD on removal and adjustment.

 

[arco777]

Not sure if you'll need this or not, it was in the steering column section.

 

[sunrse777]

Arco777- Have you ever done this cable replacement ? Does the steering column have to come down to get to it ?? Thanks...

 

[Roadrunner777]

Just for clarity, there is no cable, per se. The column shifter moves a lever at the base of the column in the engine compartment. The lever is only an inch or so long, and has a ball joint on it. A rod with socket ends goes from this lever to the transmission.

The ball joint at the column is a known weakness. Look in the engine compartment at the base of the column. You will see what I mean. Unfortunately, the ball end tends to break off due to force and corrosion.

The maintenance schedule suggests lubing this ball joint every... 6,000 miles, I think. It never happens, which is a shame. It only takes a minute and a shot of moly lube from a pressurized can.

I have wondered a few times how one would repair this.

Please... anyone else reading this... shoot some lube at this ball joint when you do an oil change.

 

[sunrse777]

Roadrunner 777- You nailed it !! Thanks. The end of the cable assembly in the engine compartment had popped off the ball connection on the shift lever.
I pushed it back on with a pair of channel locks... and so far so good....
Can shift in and out of gear..... It's pretty rusty down there, so I agree with everyone lubing that area and the other end of the cable by the transmission...

 

[Roadrunner777]

Just noticed you are in New York, guess you get the road salt blues like I get in Minnesota. Glad it worked out.

 

[Martypongo]

Ball rusted

I had the same problem with a 94 explorer. Bought a new cable and it popped off at the column end immediately. close inspection revealed that the ball stud was rusted to a point where it was smaller and wouldn't stay in the end of the cable. I plan to buy another ball stud and bolt or weld it to the bracket.

Just need to figure out the size.

Anybody happen to know the size?