Missing PRNDL2L1 detents

[Franks 72]

My shift detents have been very slight for years. I am worried about 4 year old grandson pulling it into Drive!
When I rebuilt the truck I did change the transmission end "cam" but issue still exists. I suspect the lobes on the steering column tube are the issue. Anybody ever buy an aftermarket tube or have another solution for me to try ?

[HO455]

It could be as simple as increasing the spring tension on the bottom of the column or the detents are worn enough to be non-existent.
Do an inspection of the detent pieces at the base of the column. Having a helper move the shifter while you watch the movement. Look for a groove worn in the detent plate. If that looks good try loosening the clamp below the spring and move it up slightly to increase the tension.

First photo is how I used a clamp and a pair of Vice Grips to adjust the tension on mine.

Second photo shows the detents circled.

[Franks 72]

Wow ! Thanks for the speedy responce! I will have a look at the detents. There seems to be a lot of linear play in the colum ,I had it all apart during frame off and had a hard time figuring out the bearings / spacers .Perhaps it is time to pull the colum and re visit the assemby sequence. I didnt realize you could adjust spring tension . Thanks again.

[LockDoc]

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You also might try spraying some PB Blaster, Liquid Wrench, or something similar into the top of the steering column, where the shift lever goes in. Stick the nozzle into the opening around the lever in a couple of places and give it a good spray. Hold a rag under the column. After you spray it pull the shift lever up toward you and push it back down toward the dash. It should move up and down a couple of inches. Do this 4 or 5 times. This will help free up any sticking in the shift lever tube. The reason the shift lever moves up and down is because it should be pulled back towards you to shift it into and out of the park position.

It wouldn't hurt to spray the bottom end too, where the shifter arm comes out of the tube.

LockDoc

[HO455]

Originally Posted by Franks 72

Wow ! Thanks for the speedy responce! I will have a look at the detents. There seems to be a lot of linear play in the colum ,I had it all apart during frame off and had a hard time figuring out the bearings / spacers .Perhaps it is time to pull the colum and re visit the assemby sequence. I didnt realize you could adjust spring tension . Thanks again.

You're welcome. The spring is pretty stout and an 1/8 of inch will take it from too loose to too tight. (At least mine did.)

[Franks 72]

Wow ! Finally got around to modifying a clamp and trying your pushing trick!
Detents came back ,just like the original . There is a small bit of play between the PRNDL "collar" and the steering wheel. I must have a spacer in backwards or omitted but is 100% better. Thanks for your assistance! Sorry for the delay!

[HO455]

Originally Posted by Franks 72

Wow ! Finally got around to modifying a clamp and trying your pushing trick!
Detents came back ,just like the original . There is a small bit of play between the PRNDL "collar" and the steering wheel. I must have a spacer in backwards or omitted but is 100% better. Thanks for your assistance! Sorry for the delay!

Congratulations on a job well done!