Recently purchased a 1991 F150 XLT Lariat 4.9L E4OD. Shift linkage has went downhill over the past three weeks. It’s awful, to the point that I don’t know where I am in the gear sequence until the transmission shifts into gear. It’s even getting difficult getting it into park.

Of course, I’ve been searching ways to remedy my issue and I constantly see that I should tighten the two torx-30 bolts on the steering column. I’ve looked three times now and I can’t find them. In fact, my steering column looks nothing like what I’m seeing in videos/online.

After looking at various diagrams, I think I may have an older steering column that may have changed after 1991.

Can anyone confirm this for me? Am I missing the two torx-30 bolts or do I have something completely different?

At this point I’m not surprised that every salvage yard with a 1986-1991 F-150 that I visit has the steering column missing as when I shop for one online they are going for $$$$$$!

 

The column itself is pretty much the same from from 80-91, but you should start by confirming that the excess play is in the column itself and not somewhere else in the linkage, have a helper watch the linkage from the firewall, down to the mlps on the trans and see if there is any play there while you move the shifter.

 

If you'd put ALL the truck's details into your signature, you wouldn't have to re-post that every time, and we wouldn't have to scroll back looking for it as the thread progresses.You're looking at instructions for the '92-04 column.Yes, you have the older column; the '92 column is different.

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But it doesn't sound like you've done ANY diagnosis yet, so you have no reason to believe the problem is in the column. It could be in the linkage between the column & transmission. That's part of the reason Ford re-designed the column and went to a shift cable in '92. Look at all the plastic bushings in that linkage, including for the equalizer bar between the frame & block.

 

I’ve checked all of the linkage and it’s good. All of the play is up at the shift handle.

First, the shift handle needs a new rubber bushing.

Second, I’m beginning to think the column has been replaced before. The inside looks different than videos I’m seeing online for 1986-1991 steering columns.

This will turn out to be a project, I’m sure..

 

Even if the steering column was swapped out, it probably doesn't matter. Again, 1980-1991 were all the same column, the only real difference you'll find is if it has tilt or not, and a few extra or missing wires depending on if you have cruise control or not. Any other steering column from any other range of vehicles would require an insane amount of modification to make work.
These pics show a diagram of what you should have, if yours is really that different, then post pics.

 

I’m thinking that the videos I’m looking at online are of tilting columns and mine is non-tilt.

My obstacle is the bearing that the collar that houses the ignition switch rides on. It’s pressed onto the shaft. The confusing thing (to me anyway) is that the bearing is seated on the shaft where there appears to be threads…

I guess I’ll have to pull it off?

 

I have an 87 and having the same issue. As others have posted 1992 and up is a different column and the 2 T30 bolts that come loose aren't on our columns. I'm just waiting on some led bulbs to get my cluster back in. My shifter is way too loose. I think it wouldn't go into park yesterday which is why it wouldn't start. I put it in neutral and now its working (starting) but the shifter is all over the place.

My last truck was a 87 chevy and there was a good writeup on squarebodies on tearing down the column. Made it super easy with one or 2 inexpensive tools. 3 bolts deep in the column come loose and you get lots of steering play. Locktite and I was good to go.

If you or anyone has a link to any videos showing repairs, post em up. I'm currently watching youtube but not finding what I'm looking for.

 

Thanks, that would be super helpful...

 

Not to hijack thread but my 87 has a simar issue. My shift indicator is inop, cable snapped at the loop. Found the part on eBay for 65 bux but if I don't need a safety inspection, I'll hold off for a bit.

See pics. My linkage seems good. Everything seems to move together from the column ( last pic) to the part that connects to the trans. I'm pointing at it in one of the kits. Is that normal to have that much play? I ordered up the single dorman shifter bushing I could find and it was $5 on Amazon. From the pic online it looks like it is still good on my pic(if I'm looking at the correct bushing. Any ideas on what I should check/replace? Thanks

 

@hinkak This is what was wrong with mine. Shift tube was rusted to s*** down by the linkage resulting in near zero leverage when attempting to find a gear.

Crazy thing is that there looks to be a sponge where the rust is that’s attached to the steering column. I’d imagine it’s purpose was to keep debris out, but instead soaked up water and there you have it.

Disassembly was cake, found a shift tube in reasonable shape. Just waiting on it to arrive in the mail.