I searched the board - found nothing of value.
1995 Dakota 5.2 4x4 46rh
One day last week I needed to lower the steering column to get room to work on something else. I accidentally let the column free all and ever since then I have had a VERY scary situation. Generally when I put it into park, the pawl locks solid. No issues. Periodically though, it's like it's half in reverse and half in park. The pawl offers virtually no resistance (although you can hear it grinding away). I noticed that the situation got slightly better if I pushed the steering wheel/column UP as hard as I can, so I tightened the two bolts almost to stripping. It reduced how often it happens, but it still happens sometimes.
Any thoughts? My guess is that I bent something in my linkage.
Thank you ahead of time.....
Wrenchtosser

 

Check the bushings in the shift linkage, they are notorious for getting brittle with age, and falling apart. The stress of dropping the column may have been that "final straw".

 

Thank you "Hey you" - I did notice that they looked like they had seen better days. Then there was one spot that had no bushing (didn't look like it was meant for one) that had some obvious play. Thinking about making a bronze sleeve for it if/when I finally get to it....