Truck help question

[Sparky]

Please bear with me I am not a mechanic. I have a 1976 F250 2wd. A part appears to have broken. It is automatic transmission and the part that sticks out from the steering column under the dash that connects to the transmission linkage? That part broke. Not sure if that is the correct term, but what is that called and can it be change myself?

[BPTactical]

Is it a bracket looking thing about 3 inches long and the linkage pops through a hole with a plastic bushing in it?

[RonMexico]

Please bear with me I am not a mechanic. I have a 1976 F250 2wd. A part appears to have broken. It is automatic transmission and the part that sticks out from the steering column under the dash that connects to the transmission linkage? That part broke. Not sure if that is the correct term, but what is that called and can it be change myself?

Just find a 1973-1979 at the junk yard. Try and take it off their truck first. It also make removal and installation easier on yours after you practice on theirs. Sorry if this sounds shady

[SideShow Bob]

The part that is on the column itself ? Or the rod (red)? Or the Lever on the transmission ?

[BPTactical]

Nice picture Bob.
See, Trunk Monkeys while irritable and smelly do serve a useful purpose....

If it is the arm on the column you have 2 choices:
Tear apart the column and have the arm welded back on.
Find another AT steering column.

I doubt highly there is a service/replacement available new.

[Sparky]

The part that is on the column itself ? Or the rod (red)? Or the Lever on the transmission ?

No that doesn't look like it. There is a plastic piece that comes out of the steering column under the dash. It looks like it is supposed to move a spring loaded switch that has an electrical connection. When you put it in gear the little plastic piece pushes on the spring loaded switch.

I was able to get it started by manually putting the tranny in park and then move the spring loaded switch and turn key to start. Then put it in reverse pull out of the parking spot then manually putting it in drive. Thankfully I had an extra person to hold the brake pedal while doing this.

[BPTactical]

Neutral safety switch. Will the truck start in Drive? (make sure to set the parking brake and have your foot on the brake before trying it)

[Sparky]

Neutral safety switch. Will the truck start in Drive? (make sure to set the parking brake and have your foot on the brake before trying it)

The deal on the column to put in drive just moves loosely.

[BPTactical]

You should be able to feel the detents in the transmission even if the neutral safety switch is removed. A lot of the slop your feeling is probably due to plastic bushings in the linkage being worn out or plain missing.
The switch can be had at just about any local auto parts store. Easy fix but it requires a smidge of know how. It needs to be adjusted once it is installed.
It has been forever ago since I did one and you have to take a small drill bit to hold the switch in correct alignment when the transmission and selector on the column are in neutral and then tighten the screws that hold it in place. This adjustment is critical as you don't want the truck to start in anything other than Park or Neutral.

[Sparky]

You should be able to feel the detents in the transmission even if the neutral safety switch is removed. A lot of the slop your feeling is probably due to plastic bushings in the linkage being worn out or plain missing.
The switch can be had at just about any local auto parts store. Easy fix but it requires a smidge of know how. It needs to be adjusted once it is installed.
It has been forever ago since I did one and you have to take a small drill bit to hold the switch in correct alignment when the transmission and selector on the column are in neutral and then tighten the screws that hold it in place. This adjustment is critical as you don't want the truck to start in anything other than Park or Neutral.

It is not the switch that is broke though. It is the piece that pushes the switch over. It sticks out of the steering column.