2nd Gen Ram Tech 1994-2001 Rams: This section is for TECHNICAL discussions only, that involve the 1994 through 2001 Rams. For any non-tech discussions, please direct your attention to the "General discussion/NON-tech" sub sections.

Loose shift tube

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #11  
Old 10-25-2023 | 09:24 AM
jw motors's Avatar
jw motors
Thread Starter
|
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 8
Likes: 2
Default

The oem bushing was plastic, this one was flattened out and was allowing the steering column to knock with the most noticeable problem was the lost motion in the shift lever. I have a brass bushing that I will have to open up the id a little and install it into the outer tube and secure it with a couple set screws. My only concern there is the column could still have some noise from using a metal bushing that has to have enough clearance for the shift tube to rotate. My other choice at this point is a shift tube bushing for a A body Chrysler product from the early 70's. It would also have to have the id opened up and the corresponding slots cut in the outer tube for the wire clip which holds the bushing in place. Plus I have to weld the shift lever back on so you have the heat to contend with using the plastic bushing.
You can't just slip a plastic bushing further up the column because the shift tube is bell shaped at the bottom end, in other words it gets smaller up in the column. I am in no hurry so we will see how this goes.
 
The following users liked this post:
Keith_L (10-25-2023)
  #12  
Old 10-25-2023 | 09:36 AM
jw motors's Avatar
jw motors
Thread Starter
|
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 8
Likes: 2
Default

I think until the factory bumped up the tube size at the bottom this bushing would work. But the shift tube od is 1.700 or about 1 and 11/16. Speaking with James at Detroit Muscle the id of his bushing is 1.560. If you could remove the shift tube that would be a big plus. But it looks to me like you would have to remove some welds and a machine installed rivet as the manufacturing process looks like it installed the shifter assembly and the shift tube as a unit and then welded it together. https://www.detroitmuscletechnologie...hoCYpwQAvD_BwE
 
  #13  
Old 10-25-2023 | 04:29 PM
HeyYou's Avatar
HeyYou
Administrator
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 82,866
Likes: 3,449
From: Clayton MI
Default

Yeah, the columns aren't really designed to be 'user serviceable'...... Think I would be tempted to get a delrin bushing, and then rivet the shift lever back to the tube.....
 
  #14  
Old 11-12-2023 | 06:39 PM
jw motors's Avatar
jw motors
Thread Starter
|
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 8
Likes: 2
Default

I finished the bushing install, the shift lever is welded back in place. Now to put it all back together.



 
  #15  
Old 11-12-2023 | 08:19 PM
HeyYou's Avatar
HeyYou
Administrator
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 82,866
Likes: 3,449
From: Clayton MI
Default

Brass bushing?? Where did you find that?
 
  #16  
Old 11-12-2023 | 08:39 PM
jw motors's Avatar
jw motors
Thread Starter
|
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 8
Likes: 2
Default

Five bucks at the local maintenance supply house. I opened the inside up with a lathe and o.d was close enough to use as is.
 
The following users liked this post:
AtomicDog (11-13-2023)
  #17  
Old 11-13-2023 | 10:08 AM
HeyYou's Avatar
HeyYou
Administrator
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 82,866
Likes: 3,449
From: Clayton MI
Default

Originally Posted by jw motors
Five bucks at the local maintenance supply house. I opened the inside up with a lathe and o.d was close enough to use as is.
Can't beat that.
 




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:35 AM.