1994 Ford F150: Fixing a sloppy gear shifter lever (5 speed/M5OD transmission)

[@williammorris3286]

Great instructions, thank you. I rarely work on my 1995 Ford, but took this on because my mechanic could not work on it for 2-3 days and my shifter was non functional. Per the instructions included with the kit, the wavy washer should go on the upper bushing, but probably does not matter as the instructions also state you can remove the wavy washer entirely if the shifter is too tight after the rebuild. My pins were very loose when I removed and reinstalled. Probably why the last repair, by my mechanic, only lasted 2 years, maybe 15,000 miles. From another video, I saw someone remove a hose clamp that he had installed around the outside of the housing which captured the pins and held them in place. After seeing how loose my pins were, I followed that example and added a 2 3/4" diameter hose clamp around the housing to capture the pins. Shifter is tight and working well. Thanks again.

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

THAT'S a GREAT suggestion, THANKS for the clamp size !

[@Offgridgearsandbeers]

Dude, this saved me. I was about to pull my transmission and have it rebuilt by a shop that probably would have charged me over a grand. It cost 30 bucks, and it 100% fixed my issues. Mine was falling apart, no bushings, no warp washer, and the top plate was in 2 pieces. Life saver huge shout out

[@richardreed9339]

finally fixed my sloppy gear shifter. Using your directions i took it apart and to my surprise everything was perfect. I have a 92 f150. I noticed the shifter bolt was loose when i took it apart. well I've been driving it for a few years with it loose. i put everything back together I tightened the shifter bolt hard. the shifter bolt came loose again. i examined the bolt and it was worn from driving it while it was loose. so i went to the parts store they said you have to get one at the junk yard. I looked all over and could not find one. i was desperate. I finally found one for 5.00 dollars. Anyway it was the bolt. I just want to say thanks for the great video

[@FRANKBURNSONE]

I just rebuilt the shifter in my '95 F-150 using your video as a guide, well, mostly. When I pulled the shifter out, there was no sign of the original bushing at all, just the wavy washer. I could not drive the pins out using the methods you described. At this point I was very frustrated. I sat in the garage for a bit and thought about it. I went back and looked at the pins and washer. They looked to be in good shape, so being that the bushing was a medium hard rubber, I decided to see if I could put half the bushing under one of the pins and use a pick to slip the other side of the bushing under the other pin and it worked, without damaging the bushing. I reassembled the shifter and it worked seamlessly. I'm not saying this will work for everyone, but it worked for me.

[@frankholtzclaw765]

That a success story im a out to do the replacement and with my luck that'll happen stuck pins Thanks for Sharing

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

DEFINITELY appreciate you stating such just in case

[@jerrykeller511]

My '94 F150 needs this done too. Thanks for showing how. The aftermarket repair guides are never that good. So this is going to take a lot of guesswork out of it.

[@kevinrobinson8278]

Great video. I couldn’t tap the pins out, but didn’t need to, the bottom metal gasket slides under them, and the bottom rubber gasket bends enough to go under.

[@joeyv1969]

Awesome video!!!! I just had a clutch put in my 94 F-150, noticed it seemed more sloppy than usual. Finally it wouldn’t go into first at all exactly how your unit was. Great video, now I know what I’m dealing with. Thanks again!!

[@krookpd01]

Going thru the same thing now 🤣😥 would think paying $1200 for flywheel and clutch kit ,this would have been done!🤔🤬🤬

[@donaldanderson3249]

I'm restoring a 95 F-150 and I really appreciate your helpful advice

[@wayne558]

Worked on my 1989 F150 today. Needed a 4mm Hex Bit Driver Socket (for the 3 original cover bolts) and 17mm wrench. F150 shifts like new again. Thanks for the video.

[@AKJeeper]

Nice work! Glad the video helped!

[@mikeleyshon1799]

I'll keep it simple and say that this is the best detail on the procedure. I'm at 175k, just a little sloppy but nothing like the way it arrived in your shop. Real bummer on shipping to Alaska. Pretty certain your customer was pleased with the result. I'm going to change the fluid at the same time. Maybe try Royal purple, Pennzoil has a GM mix. Anyone with experience please chime in. Owned multiple Rangers, .F series, fox body cars of all types. Not clueless but it helps to hear from the experiences of others. Again, great work !

[@bojangles6239]

3 thumbs up !!! That cone nut on the shifter had me pretty much bum-fuzzled, pretty simple though after seeing a pro do it. thx

[@jimstrict-998]

Yeah, mine is torqued to death, and it doesn't particularly fit a 17mm wrench...

[@frankholtzclaw765]

Stright foward thanks a mill.I just bought a 99 ford explored at the auction with this gear shifter wobble hope mine goes as well as your video.

[@mdcorlae]

Hi, the Dorman kit 917551 I got from Rock Auto came with a flat spring. I have not installed anything yet. Just checking some videos to minimize mistakes in the field. Thanks for your good video.

[@PawnShopRockers]

Great Video.. Over all it clearly shows the process start to finish. BTW.. if you run across shipping issues and would like to get parts to Alaska just email me your info. You can have items shipped to me, then I can ship the parts to you. Cheers! PSR

[@stevefontaine9017]

Great video, made it super easy.🙂👍

[@patrickmercado5284]

No need to push out pins unless they have noticeable wear and only need back it out of the way on one side. New bushings and washer easily slide under the untouched pin. Also was a good time to pour an additional 1/2 quart or so of ATF in the opening.

[@TheFoxShop]

Feels like brand new again doesn't it? One of the best upgrades/repairs I have done on my 1994 F150! 👍👍👌

[@AKJeeper]

Yes, the owner was blown away at the difference. It went from being virtually un-driveable to shifting buttery smooth like a car.

[@TheFoxShop]

@@AKJeeper so was I after doing it 😂..

[@kellismith4329]

Do youthink it would be possible to unbolt and remove the top cap off the transmission through that opening, or would you have to remove the larger cover under the carpet ? I want to do this kit to my truck, but would like to replace those plugs in the top cover at the same time - atf seems so light in the trans, does anyone use something with more viscosity ?

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

ONLY use what's recommended BY the factory IF you want it to last & wear properly @@kellismith4329

[@AintScaredGarage]

I did this and still had a sloppy shifter, before you put the shift lever on the stalk, turn it over and make sure the pin in the shift lever that goes in the slot on the stalk is not sheered off, if it is, there is no amount of tightening you can do that will fix it, you can drive the old pin out and drive a new one in, thats what I did and it worked great. I forgot how far that shifter moves stock, I later added a Shot Shifter to mine and now it has the shift trow of mustang

[@KristiContemplates]

Have 89 laser 🇦🇺 (dream car since P-plate days) and the shift isn't just loose. It's dropped. I'm guessing something's amiss with the pins. Meh, need to flush the transmission anyway This video with your accessible explanation is definitely going to help me avoid the majority of the local ovary taxes

[@juanhelps5106]

Exquisite video, planning on doing my 97 Nissan pickup either tomorrow or the day after. Will update on how it went

[@leviathanbeast8403]

How’d it go

[@juanhelps5106]

@@leviathanbeast8403 Upgraded trucks before i got the chanve

[@tyler__voorhees9404]

I’ve replaced mine like 8 times. The 2 pins that slide into the shift ball keep wearing out. Any idea where I can get pins that aren’t gonna slide out and wear quickly ?

[@kevinglainez8151]

I fix that starting with a leveling kit so drive-train is even then replaced if you have if you don't install a driveshaft bearing support

[@TubeVision2]

Thanks for the video. What lubricant did you use?

[@chiliboom6140]

Thank you very much for this video. Do you happen to know the OEM part kit number for this?

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

Was looking for the same, IF they make such

[@leebenjamin3184]

The Dorman kit states to put that one washer on the top of the top bushing. So that explains why they only give you one. Any issue using the new wavy washer inder 1st lower bushing and old one on top? Also one of.my pins was sheared off and neither pin is budging. I plan to use heat to loosen.

[@sacord83]

The dorman instructions say to install the wave washer last

[@gsschneck]

Any good ideas for how to get the bolt out that hold the shifter arm on. Mine seems tight and stuck. Can it be tapped out with a hammer or is it partially threaded?

[@stevefontaine9017]

On my explorer m5od...once the nut was removed from the passenger side and installed on the driver's side I snugged it up and it wouldn't release the shifter. I ended up using a breaker bar in my left hand and supported the shifter with my right arm to break it free.

[@yooperboya9475]

I had to pull the 3 screws out and pull it as one then pop it out with a press if your still dealing with it

[@marileekuehl8800]

So I forgot to put truck in neutral before I began. Now it seems to be stuck in first. Any suggestions on how to fix?

[@TamiE-h7j]

Hi can you tell me where to get my bushing kit? My 87 Ford V6 XLT 2.9 shifter came out of the the shifter hole, I fished 1,2 of the plastic donut out of tranny, I got a schematic from ford but when i took the tower cone off that has 4 screw 3 where finger tight only, the top rubber gasket is shredded and the plastic donut that sits atop the tower seems to be in ok shape. questions are do I need to get the broken piece out? I cannot see it from the top. And where do I get this kit? do you have a link you can share. Thanks, for you great video. I did not see any pins or holes for pins in shifter, looks like there was a ring around the broken piece at the bottom at one time.

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

Would you say that neutral IS where the nub is 90 degrees with the round plate with 3 screws??

[@finoochoa9568]

Same part number for the 3.0 Ford ranger Manuel transmissions too

[@rubberduck4889]

The last rubber boot is so steal on steel. Is not present. Rubber makes it smooth. This man is a young guy every one does different

[@odyssey5816]

Would this be the same process for the 4.9 L inline 6 ? Having the same issue

[@AKJeeper]

Yes, any Ford truck with a Mazda transmission.

[@melhawk6284]

Is this similar to the 85 Ranger? Mine spins completely around 360° and seems to go STRAIGHT into the tranny, minus the linkage in between. Not sure what the hell they have done to it!

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

👍

[@TheFlynbrian]

You mentioned that you are not a fan of the Dorman shifter rebuild kit. What brand would be your first choice, if they had been able to ship to you in Alaska?

[@AKJeeper]

My first choice would have been to source the parts from Ford/Mazda. Another choice would have been to get the parts from Allstate Gear Inc (not a sponsor).

[@TheFlynbrian]

Thanks! Your video really helped with deciding to do this work myself. Much appreciated!

[@harrystewart9674]

You Rock , thanks

[@jimstrict-998]

I've gotten some stuff from Dorman that just didn't work. Poor fit or non-usable.

[@mikeclark7136]

I’ve had to replace mine a few times because the pins keep wearing out. Well this time I wasn’t able to get the thing in neutral before taking it apart and I think I’m screwed. I put the new kit on and got it all put back together and I can’t get it out of second gear. Is there anyway to get the truck in neutral with the whole thing disassembled??

[@stevefontaine9017]

There's a couple vids on KZbin that speak to this. Just need a blade screwdriver to force it into neutral.

[@ulyssesvillanueva4763]

can you point me in the direction of these videos @@stevefontaine9017

[@ulyssesvillanueva4763]

did you have any luck? i just did the same thing. im stuck in second as well

[@bobbyphilbeck9961]

thanks I done it you helped big time

[@AKJeeper]

Glad the video helped! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!

[@randallcarney1216]

That transmission is known for that ,the zfs542 heavy duty 5 speed has no such problem ! My zf has 400,000 miles still shifts like new!

[@AKJeeper]

I much prefer the ZF tranmission - I feel it's much more appropriate for use in a full-size truck. Leave the Mazda transmissions to the smaller trucks like the Ranger.

[@melhawk6284]

​@AKJeeper would this work on an '85 Ranger 4x4? Shifter rotates a full 360° and its a BITCH to fi d my reverse! Just bought the truck, and want to do a full restoration, as she is now a classic, as far as I'm concerned!

[@rubberduck4889]

It's does come with it but he already used it earlier?????

[@dunstep]

I'm almost done with putting in the same cheap dorman kit. I stopped because I noticed that because the old bushings and washers were so mangled, the pins seemed to have ground out a groove in the shifter ball. I'm wondering if I should try to find a new shifter ball or fab some new pins to tighten it up. Also, is there a stock ball from something that I could use to shorten the throw?

[@AKJeeper]

I've come across a couple of high mileage trucks now where things were so worn out that I ended up replacing the entire top half of the transmission housing (shifter tower) and the shifter ball so that I could get things tightened up. Sorry, I'm not aware of any stock units that will shorten the throw.

[@dunstep]

The m5od I was working on ended up being far too gone to warrant any money to repair it. Just about every wearable part was not just worn, but whooped. I managed to pick up a low mile replacement trans for scrap price. I'll be looking into cheap ways to harden it. If anybody knows some tricks to beef up the m5od r1 on a 4x4, I am all ears.

[@kkampy4052]

I got the nut off the right side and put it on the left side and tighten it down but I'm putting as much power as I can possibly get on there with an extended length wrench and it is not wanting to pull it out

[@joeberry517]

I had the same problem. The best thing to do is make sure that it's in neutral then remove the three screws that hold the cover and lift straight up to remove the shifter ball and all then get the bolt out. I had tightened mine so tight that the nut was messed up and had to cut it off and replace it.

[@kkampy4052]

@@joeberry517 that's what I ended up doing too

[@GlizzyGetBizzy]

What can I do if the threads to attach the bolt onto the other side to pull it out is stripped

[@erwinbrubacker7488]

Very informative, ty.

[@AKJeeper]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rafaelalarcon8299]

Thanks I have a 82 f250 I need to do this on

[@gregtotten2617]

I have a 90 model with the same trans and same problem I thought I had to buy a bm/Hurst kit including new shifter

[@josemanuelocampo9092]

That same shifter lever kit is by all standards, I have a 2002 Ford f150 and it's hard for me to find it for the same year, and I've been to auto zone and napa and they don't have it.

[@SantinoCastellanos]

Did you try it on your 02 f150 I am having the same issue

[@tristandotson7272]

I have a 1990 f150 manual 5speed and I’ve done a shift rebuild I can shift into every other gear just fine but I just can’t find 5th but before I did the shift rebuild I could find 5th gear so either the shifter jam bolt that you can’t find anywhere is put in incorrectly or I need to do a transmission fluid change or I just don’t have 5th anymore if someone can please give me an idea what to do please help

[@jamesberry276]

I had the same problem and replaced a shifter fork then it was fine. If you pull away the carpet or rubber floor you can access the bolts and remove the top loader entirely, and the forks are easy to change. I did it 20+ years ago so the details are fuzzy. It's the same with any Mazda 5sp truck engine.

[@KristiContemplates]

Thanks, mate 🙂👍

[@txgaspimp9321]

What's is the best brand to buy to repair

[@alexhollenbach8658]

What do I do if I left it in reverse !?

[@julieoliver8170]

Looks similar to my 08 ranger 5 speed. But it won't move

[@thechosen1564]

Doesn't the wave wassher sit on top of the upper bushing ?

[@martinbeville7295]

I have the same question, my original had the wave washer on top, nothing on bottom

[@cinnamonbacon5941]

Greatly appreciated!

[@jacobdill897]

What if it's not in neutral when it's time to re-install? Please help.

[@AKJeeper]

The shifter is difficult to reinstall if the transmission is not in neutral. You’ll need to manipulate the shift forks (one at a time!) with a flat blade screwdriver or some other tool to get the transmission into neutral. Make sure the parking brake is set, or the wheels are chocked. Both shift forks will be lined up in neutral, the notches for the shift rods will look like [ ] when they are both in neutral.

[@ENDLESSOUTDOORS1]

How much would something like this cost to fix?

[@shawincarter871]

the kit is only 20.00 fix it your self!! if a women can do it you can!!

[@kellismith4329]

Roughly 1 1/2 hr labor

[@walkwithnature]

Who sells the shifter ball joint. Please and thank you

[@walkwithnature]

1989 e150 5 spd

[@walkwithnature]

Thank you for the video great job and the advice on dorman issues but I can't find anything for my van on alstategear any advice

[@TrinityJumpers]

What’s the part number from autozone

[@shawincarter871]

nice job

[@timgray4974]

I’m trying to reattach the shifter but I can’t get the nut off of the remove end of the bolt to put the bolt back and tighten it. How do I get the nut off?

[@AKJeeper]

Put the bolt in a padded vice and remove the nut from there. Or do something similar with pliers or vice grips. Just something to old the bolt so you can unscrew the nut.

[@acetheoriginal2005]

Stupid question does this work on a 92 Ford ranger with a 5-speed manual? it has the 4.0 V6

[@AKJeeper]

Yes, it’s a very similar process on the Rangers - same transmission (Mazda M5OD).

[@acetheoriginal2005]

@@AKJeeper Good because I think my transmission needs it has a hard time going into reverse

[@andrewriley2241]

It stripped my pin and the nut any way you know can get the shifter to fit back on with jb well

[@AKJeeper]

I don't recommend it. I would try to get the bolt/nut removed from the shifter lever and replace with new or good used bolt/nut.

[@tradesman91]

Life savor

[@Cjohn31]

Why would that washer not be present in the parts packaging?

[@AKJeeper]

The parts kit was manufactured by Dorman. It might have been forgotten from their factory.

[@shawincarter871]

my only had 1in it to. I guess I will use the old one on top .

[@leebenjamin3184]

They only state in instructions to use one washer on top.... Debating using new one on bottom and old on top

[@monicaburgueno4664]

Good video

[@Veracity-y5n]

Great job !thanks

[@justinparker2784]

Thanks

[@tomson1755]

Does anybody have an AutoZone part number for that kit? I need to do this on my 94 f150

[@donaldburden-kh7pc]

What was the name of the lube

[@jimstrict-998]

Loctite Blue

[@ryanmartin6]

Anyone know where I can get this kit or one like it?

[@AKJeeper]

Pretty much any auto parts store will have it. Have also seen these on Amazon.

[@rubberduck4889]

Don't plug it check gear oil. Way easier to fill.

[@rubberduck4889]

Omg buddy you still at this. U broken it. Hurry up 100 bucks an hour

[@Tap_rack5.56]

Anyone know why 3rd and 4th gear would just stop working and not engage 95f150 5speed I jus did what this guy did in the video and it didn’t fix it no banging or grinding I downshift from 5th neutraled at 2nd for a light tried to go when the light changed and 1-2 was fine 2-3 3 wasn’t there tried 4th wasn’t there 5th was there had to limp my way to 55 from 25

[@rubberduck4889]

Tranny'not TK5 TKO. Or it's Nissan

[@liamj3146]

Shift fork for 3/4 went out

[@robertbailey5051]

Can you please share the part numbers?

[@AKJeeper]

I showed the parts I used at 10:25

[@flyemhard]

good video....thanks

[@philipswinson6839]

Ha mines exactly that bad been driving it a month with no clutch pedal 😂 either goes in shop soon for slave cylinder so all those things same time

[@michelorphey5227]

Well I need to get off my ass, and get this done.

[@earlparker4208]

THANK YOU SIR. VERY KINDLY *** FOR THE GREAT VIDEO"*"*" ALL American *** STYLE * YEP "*"*"*"

[@austineads1207]

Mines stuck in reverse now how do I fix this

[@AKJeeper]

In extreme cases, worn out rubber bushings can cause the shifter to get stuck in a gear (or not go into any gears at all). You will need to take the shifter ball out - follow the video up to this point. Once out, look down the shifter tower and locate the shift levers - there will be two. Get a screwdriver and manipulate one shift lever at a time until you get them in the neutral (middle) position. The opening they create in the neutral position should look something like this []. From here, follow the rest of the video to install the new bushings and pins, and reassemble.

[@mikeclark7136]

@@AKJeeper I’m not finding 2 shift levers. Just one piece I can manipulate on the left side. But when I move it, it keeps moving back to it’s original position

[@AKJeeper]

@@mikeclark7136 you should be able to see both shift rods if you get some good lighting in there. If the rods don’t stay where they are shifted, either the rod wasn’t moved all the way into position, or that could be an indication that there’s a problem with the shift rod detent balls and springs. If latter is the case, the top hat will need to be removed from the transmission…which means transmission removal.

[@mikeclark7136]

@@AKJeeper thanks so much. I was actually able to fix it. I didn’t really know what I was looking for down there initially. But I got it out of 2nd and into neutral. I have to change this damn thing every few months because those pins keep getting beat up and slip out of place. This is the first time I couldn’t get it in neutral before doing so. Thanks again!

[@douglasmacquarrie5002]

I've got a 94 looks like that I've had for 15 years and know exactly where to put it it's an anti theft system

[@francis8781]

Me lo muestra en español

[@AKJeeper]

Lo siento, no hablo español. Puede intentar activar los subtítulos y seleccionar español.

[@rubberduck4889]

Should left them in oveously it's a good fit. Now what??

[@riverbennett3768]

My shifter in my 91 hits my dash in first 😂

[@AKJeeper]

That is something this truck was doing as well 😂 new bushings fixed it.

[@rubberduck4889]

Tork. Lmao

[@rubberduck4889]

Flushing transmission has. Nothing to do with the gear box. Omg you're a macanical person thinking it's a transmission flush. WHY was costumers money

[@YourLocalCountryBoy23]

I found a 5spd shifter in my woods and idk what it is from but it has surface rust has the knob 1 2 4. R 3 5. SERIAL NUMBER 218583 I'm thinking it's a Ford 85 ish