How do I fix my sloppy column shifter?

[moparfreak77]

Since I got my car the column shifter has been like this. I assume there is a spring that keeps the shifter forward? I think there is a roll pin that holds the shifter on, do I pound it out and does the spring go in somewhere there? I do have a parts car that I can use. thanks.

 

[George R]

Yes, there is a spring in there that keeps the stick towards the dash.
I remember it being a pain in the *** trying to get in with the column on the table, but I don't think it is impossible with the column in the car.
Just tap the roll pin out of the stick with a small punch.

George

 

[moparfreak77]

I just pulled that spring out of my 77 Aspen hoping it would be the same...it wasn't. The Aspen one is bigger so it won't fit in the hole. What is this spring called and where can I get one?

 

[moparfreak77]

anyone?

 

[charger70]

I got one a couple years ago for a 69 Runner from Year One. 1-800-YEARONE.
couldn't find it on line.
"shift lever return spring"
My old YO book shows FD9418....But it lists it for LATE 68 (03/05/68 ) and 69.

Good Luck!

 

['74 Sport]

Darcy,
Did you take your roll pin and shift lever out of your column?
I'm not sure what the setup looks like on your early model, but the following photos show how you can replace the spring on a '74 Duster column:

First, the spring is right at 1" long x 7/16" diameter. The spring recess in the housing is about 1/2" diameter, so there is plenty of room to slip in the new spring.

Grip the spring tightly with tweezers (needle nose pliers were just too thick to slip between the coils) and ease it through the lever hole in the housing.

Rotate slightly to settle the spring into its recess in the housing.

Slip the shift lever through its hole, pushing back on the handle so the tip clears the spring and doesn't hang up or dislodge the spring.

Drive the roll pin back in and you are done.

If yours is different than this, then.... oh, well.
I would think you could find a spring somewhere like LOWE'S, Home Depot, or a well-stocked hardware store.

Good luck,
Jerry

 

[charger70]

Nice Job there 74!!!

 

[moparfreak77]

Thanks Jerry Those pics are helpful since you cant really see what you are doing through the shifter hole, atleast the pics help to know what you should do. Mine looks like the same setup but the spring I pulled out of my Aspen was too big to fit in the hole. I might head to the hardware store and see what I can find.