Question on steering column
 

On a steering column, there is a plastic "sleeve" that the cable that operates the gear selector/indictor attaches to. This sleeve attaches to the part of the column that the shifter is mounted to (metal sleeve?), rotating with the shifter when you move it from gear to gear. It is sttached by sliding tabs on the plastic sleeve into the metal sleeve.
Can the plastic sleeve be replaced with out completely dismantling the steering column?

In my '91 crew, the gear selector/indicator was off a few gears.
I had the bezel off and tried to pull the plastic sleeve out and rotate it so the cable would pull the indicator to match the PRND321, but noticed that there are only two tabs, on one side of the sleeve. It looks like there should be two more across from these two but are gone.
I can get the sleeve to stay in place with the two tabs, but it can only be mounted clocked off a few degrees so the cable has slack and doesn't start to move until I am physicly in Drive.

I am in D, but it is indicating P, in 3 = R, 2 = N, 1 = D.
Hope that makes sense...

Re: Question on steering column
 

I am familiar with the set up but not sure what you are saying...

Are you saying you want to remove the plastic sleeve on the column and re-index it? That shouldn't be necessary: the "cable" pull attaches to the sleeve via a small metal clip. You should be able to remove the clip and replace it onto the sleeve where ever it needs to be to properly pull the cable into the PRND21 positions.

K

Re: Question on steering column
 

I would like to add, that it is necessary to completely disassemble the column to replace that piece. The only way you don't have to is if you have a manual transmission truck. Then the column still has to be removed from the truck. Like Keith said you should be able just to move the cable. It is possible on side of the cable is broke or it has stretched. In this case you will just need to replace the cable which is very easy. Let me know if you have any other questions. I rebuild a lot of steering columns.

Re: Question on steering column
 

Sorry keith, a picture is worth a 100 words :)

Is the metal clip able to be mounted any place on the sleeve; I thought there was a hole, or an indent in the sleeve to locate it?
If that is possible that would solve my problem! If it is a hole I suppose I could drill a new hole?

With the bezel off, I can pull the sleeve towards the dash, disengaging the tabs on the plastice sleeve from the metal sleeve. But it will only re-engage in a place where the cable is slack, and doesn't start pulling until the shifter is
about in drive.
Cable is not broken, don't think it could stretch to the extent it would have to be to do what it is doing.

Thanks for the feedback!

Re: Question on steering column
 

No pics - my truck is a manual trans. Can you post a pic of what you are seeing?

;)

The clip should just slip over the edge of the plastic sleeve; there are no idents, targets or holes which will locate it.

Besides the cable being stretched out, the only other thing I could think of is it seems like there were some little tabs on the gage cluster that helped route the little cable. Make sure those are not broken off and that the cable is routed through them to achieve the desired motion (...going from memory here).

K

Re: Question on steering column
 

gear marker pics
right marker holds the wire in the grove,some even have a wheel!
look for the hole @ the edge

Re: Question on steering column
 

They like to break right there..

Re: Question on steering column
 

Thanks, Motornut.

So is there a slot in the plastic sleeve, and a threaded fastener gets shot through the clip once it's positioned?

I'm afraid I don't remember that level of detail.

K

Re: Question on steering column
 

yes it's a small screw,tightens on the back side of the clip

Re: Question on steering column
 

" not all trucks are created equal " lol
noticed the 88 tilt is different has a little v ,lines up with shifter handle
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Re: Question on steering column
 

That was what I meant, I need to put a picture up, to better explain what I am having problems putting into words!

Thanks for the pictures!

Is the white washer looking thing a wheel? My first guess would be that is a repair (kit?) of some sort?
Either way, it didn't stick out to me that part was broken, it seemed like the cable was functioning properly, just too much slack to get it started?

In this picture I tried to add arrows where the plastic sleeve (the part that the foam-rubber ring is wrapped around), inserts and "snaps" into place with the metal sleeve that the shifter is attached to.
If I try to snap it in place in a postion that will line everything up, it won't attach all the way. The only way to get it "mostly" attached is to clock that sleeve off quite a bit; I think this is because of the 4 tabs (at least), there are only 2 left?
Which I think the only solution is to replace that sleeve??? Replacing the column would probably be easier, excpet this column is in real nice shape; tilt knuckle is tight, chrome on the shifter is good, text/images on the wiper control wand in good shape. Truck has 6x,xxx miles so I would hate to replace the column!

Re: Question on steering column
 

yes there are 4 on the 88 too.
I'd maybe try to glue in some other donor pieces?
maybe a piece of two sided tape on the two left?

Re: Question on steering column
 

Ive never seen the "wheel" before,and the other 79 dosn't have it
and it looks like a repair with a chunk out of it's W
both my 88 and 89 have the slide on clips ,no screws