I'm trying to replace the shift tube on a '96 Ford F150, automatic. I've taken apart the steering wheel and various other things, some of which probably didn't need to be. My main problem so far is that I can't find the bolts that will allow me to drop the steering column. I removed two nuts, one on each side, that disconnected the column from the bottom part of the dash. I can push it down a couple inches but something else is keeping it from dropping all the way down.

I saw a couple of torx screws in a black plastic thing just in front of the little wheel on the column, but taking those out did nothing. I was thinking maybe I needed to loosen the nut at the u-joint further down towards the firewall but I can't even get it to budge, so I hope that's not it. I've been told there's six torx screws I need to remove but I've also been told that there's four 9/16 nuts.

I have the Haynes manual, but it's pretty much worthless for what I'm trying to do. This is getting very frustrating and I'm starting to think I bit off more than I can chew. If someone can help me out I would greatly appreciate it!

 

There are 4 nuts holding the column up. You might have enough room if you just loosen the other 2 nuts.

 

Thanks for the reply, but do you know where I would find the other two nuts?

 

Within 4-5 inches of the others. You probably don't see the 2 behind the ones you got already. There may also be a bracket bolted up in the same spot. Remove the bracket, then the other 2 nuts.
If you intend to remove the whole column, remove the shifter cable, disconnect the shifter indicator cable and pull the bolt out of the u-joint first.

 

Hey thanks for the help, snookered! Those nuts were pretty much where you said they would be. I don't know how I didn't notice them before. They weren't hidden that bad but I was using a mirror to look up under the column. And I did have enough room to operate by just loosening those nuts a good bit. It was all gravy after that. Well except I didn't realize I would have a broken clamp in addition to the broken shift tube and bent plunger. I had to go back to the dealer and get a clamp for TWELVE DOLLARS! ha ha Oh well, at least I can drive forward now. Thanks again!

 

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