Broken neutral safety switch lever

[ironhorse2022]

Hi all,

I had my steering column half apart to replace the top bearing and dropped down to replace the rag joint. When I put it back together, the auto shift lever was stiff moving through the gears and then got stuck. Like a good mechanic, I gave it a good shove and heard a high pitched crack and a then a small metal stamping ( inch long, u shaped cross section) fell on the floor. Seems related to my neutral safety switch as the truck will no longer turn over unless I reach down and manually move the safety switch to the right position.

So, what do I need to replace and do I need to pull the column out to fix it?

Thanks

[69Ford]

Here's what it looks like installed. I have never tried to install one while the column was in a truck. In my mind you will have to pull the column. It just snaps onto the inner shift tube. I would be looking for the reason it was stiff in the first place. These are just stamped sheet metal, bend and break easily. I always try to use OEM parts better Quality but Here is a link to LMC truck part Number 21 There are other vendors available also, I just used LMC for referance. http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/fb/full.aspx?Page=56

Safety Switch.JPG

[Ranchero50]

Ditto, it just clips in. If it was tight I'd think the guts of the column aren't lined up correctly. It's been too long since I was in there to give better advice.

[sargentrs]

There are 2 oval slots parallel to each other and a hole between them. The clip springs into the 2 slots and the hole keeps it rigid and centered. Here's a link to my rebuild thread on my automatic column. http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... hp?t=72274

[ironhorse2022]

Thanks guys. The clip sarg shows is indeed the one I broke. From his column rebuild thread ( excellent by the way) it looks like I can replace the clip without major disassembly or even dropping the column. lMC carries the part. Got lucky on this one

[sargentrs]

Thanks, ironhorse! You should be able to. It'll be aggravating and uncomfortable but possible. Probably easiest to remove the NSS, put the clip on, then reinstall the NSS.

[ironhorse2022]

I'll let u know how it turns out one i get the new part. Thx again.

[ironhorse2022]

Well, I did manage to install the new part without pulling the column. But I did end up removing neutral safety switch and lowering the column down onto the seat. Thanks for the help.

[Mancar1]

Glad u got it fixed. I ordered that very same part for my 68. Mine is bent.