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Topic: How to remove column shift linkage bushings? (Read 2223 times) previous topic - next topic

How to remove column shift linkage bushings?

So, the Cougar shiznit the bed south of Atlanta. It decided to run again after being towed, so I Uhaul'd it back to my house instead of letting some stranger touch her. Thus, I needed to button up the Tbird's SN95 rack swap so I could go to work, and begin to acclimate myself to the rat race again after being on disability for 5 weeks.

Well well well, nothing is as easy as it seems. The portion of the shaft that fits into the column was a tight fit...a real tight fit. So tight that after slathering it with lithium grease and beating it with a pipe-wrench (hammer was MIA), the column began to collapse faster than my junk after jumping in a mountain creek. With no means of getting that sucker back out, I decided removal of the column was in order. It is a pretty easy job, but requires the first bushing from the column shift linkage to be removed. I looked at the manual, but it recommended using a bunch of specialized tools that I have no access to and would probably be harder to buy than high grade plutonium. I next tried to wedge a screwdriver in between the bushing and push the linkage over the bushing lip. NO DICE. Level II was cutting the bushing with a razor blade and stabbing the bushing with a screwdriver (I bought $50 of chisels this evening to remedy the ol' screwdriver as a precision instrument thing) to try and dismember it. NOT MUCH DICE. Level III was coming at it with a dremel and a cutoff tool as much as I could. I then used adjustable pliers to try and squeeze the bushing off. NO DICE!.

So, in short, what do I do to get that freaking bushing off?

How to remove column shift linkage bushings?

Reply #1 –
Which bushing are you talking about?  I had to dismantle the auto column in the '80 a while back.  I'm not picturing which one you're talking about.
Long live the 4-eyes!  - '83 Tbird Turbo - '85 Marquis LTS - '86 LTD Wagon-  '81 Granada GL 2dr
 

How to remove column shift linkage bushings?

Reply #2 –

How to remove column shift linkage bushings?

Reply #3 –
Ah, I see now...one of the ones in the engine bay....they are a pain in the ass.

Actually on my car...I swapped columns without even removing that from the linkage.  You can separate the shifter shaft from the column at the top by removing a c-clip and a few other pieces. 

I took some pics when I messed with mine, but none of this particular area.  You can remove the entire column from the car after you remove the shifter shaft from it.
Long live the 4-eyes!  - '83 Tbird Turbo - '85 Marquis LTS - '86 LTD Wagon-  '81 Granada GL 2dr

How to remove column shift linkage bushings?

Reply #4 –
:punchballs:

Well, I've decimated the bushing to the point that I need to replace it. Any tips on how to do so?

How to remove column shift linkage bushings?

Reply #5 –
Well it might be possible that once you separate the shifter from the column, you can maneuver it into a better position to get at it and then install a new one when you put it back together. 

Other than that I never had any luck either aside from the mutilation route...
Long live the 4-eyes!  - '83 Tbird Turbo - '85 Marquis LTS - '86 LTD Wagon-  '81 Granada GL 2dr

How to remove column shift linkage bushings?

Reply #6 –
Boltcutters?
1987 Tbird 5.0 swap, go fast mods coming soon....

How to remove column shift linkage bushings?

Reply #7 –
He's trying to remove the bushing...but save the shift linkage....
Long live the 4-eyes!  - '83 Tbird Turbo - '85 Marquis LTS - '86 LTD Wagon-  '81 Granada GL 2dr

How to remove column shift linkage bushings?

Reply #8 –
When I was removing that rod from the bushing,before I did the floor shift upgrade on my other car,I used a pair of Channel Lock pliers.I put one side ont the rod tip closest to the firewall,and the other side on the part that the rod slides into,and squeezed.It should pop out.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

How to remove column shift linkage bushings?

Reply #9 –
I tried using Channel Locks to remove the bushing. It wouldn't pop off. I have saturated the area with PB Blaster to soften/loosen the bushing op. Maybe it will come off today...

How to remove column shift linkage bushings?

Reply #10 –
If you're not going to re-use these parts,just get a prybar and pry that  apart,or get a hacksaw and cut the rod where it enters the bushing.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

How to remove column shift linkage bushings?

Reply #11 –
Get crazy on it Man.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

How to remove column shift linkage bushings?

Reply #12 –
just melt the bushing if u have a new one and just pull it out and put the bushing on the rod and then use a apir of pliers to push it in to the hole on the arm of the shifter and u should be done.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
88 5.0L aod with duel flowmaster and speedo mod
88 5.0L H.O with 5 speed R.I.P
87 3.8L no trans. geting h.o and 5speed (project never ending thunder) started it as of 8-14-10
96 bronco xl 5.0L 5 speed man4x4
:birdsmily:

How to remove column shift linkage bushings?

Reply #13 –
Oh yes. Those are major pain to remove. I used a pair of Vise-Grips that overcenter and lock as you squeeze them.  They worked very well, and I was able to re-use the factory bushing
1988 Thunderbird
306 HO w/ A9P processor
AOD w/ Transgo Reprogrammer
Full Digital Dash w/ twin Cyberdyne A-pillar gauges 
245/50/16 Tires on Snowflakes
Engine swap - CA smog compliant

How to remove column shift linkage bushings?

Reply #14 –
Quote from: hellsing73;134729
just melt the bushing if u have a new one and just pull it out and put the bushing on the rod and then use a apir of pliers to push it in to the hole on the arm of the shifter and u should be done.

Exactly what I would do - you don't even need a fancy torch, a small propane one would probably work. Hell, a heat gun would probably work...
2015 Mustang GT Premium - 5.0, 6-speed, Guard Green - too much awesome for one car

1988 5.0 Thunderbird :birdsmily: SOLD SEPT 11 2010: TC front clip/hood ♣ Body & paint completed Oct 2007 ♣ 3.55 TC rear end and front brakes ♣ TC interior ♣ CHE rear control arms (adjustable lowers) ♣ 2001 Bullitt springs ♣ Energy suspension poly busings ♣ Kenne Brown subframe connectors ♣ CWE engine mounts ♣ Thundercat sequential turn signals ♣ Explorer overhead console (temp/compass display) ♣ 2.25" off-road dual exhaust ♣ T-5 transmission swap completed Jan 2009 ♣