Column Shift Rebuild Kit?

[NJBronk]

Okay, you all have collectively convinced me to try to rebuild my column shifter for the 3 speed manual before going to floor shifter route...

That being said, I see old posts in reference to a rebuild kit from Bronco Graveyard but don't see anything listed. Is there a comprehensive kit with all the bushings, etc. for sale somewhere, or at least a comprehensive list of parts I need?

I just want to make sure I get everything I need and replace everything that's worthwhile to replace while I'm in there...

Thanks!

 

[DirtDonk]

See how quickly we get sidetracked and into ignore mode?!
Just kidding, so back to the top for you.

The best I have is this page-o-parts for stock column work: WH Stock Column Parts
I don't know of a "kit" but many of the wear items are listed there.
One of the main items that's in short supply (as in, hen's teeth from unobtanium) would be the shift tubes. Not all need replacing thankfully, but plenty of them have worn out or broken more in recent years that they are 46 years old or more. Hopefully yours is not one of them.

Something VERY important in my experience is what year your Bronco is. If it's a '73/'74/'75 model I've experienced way too many cases of mixed parts from the factory to just ignore it.
So if you have one of those years my best recommendation is to buy ALL the parts needed for both early and late model columns (usually considered to be '74 and later) and then just return the parts you don't use.
Yes, it's that bad. Now, if you have time to pull your column apart and check components first, before ordering parts, you're in great shape. Not everyone has that luxury, but if you are one of them then you can order only the correct parts to begin with and save the hassle of returns.
If you have a '72 and older, or a '76 and later, you're usually OK. But any one of those three years I mentioned are trouble waiting to happen if you just assume.
So don't assume!

Paul

 

[NJBronk]

Thanks, @DirtDonk

I was hoping to order everything before tearing it apart. One of the reasons I was looking for a kit is to make sure I got everything, especially where I need to order multiples (e.g., how many bearings, bushings, etc.).

My reproduction shop manuals just arrived, so I'll take a look at the column in there and try to order everything. Great tip on the mix-and-match years! I may end up taking it apart before ordering since I have time before warm weather comes. I just need to make sure I take good pictures as well so that I can remember how to put it back together...

 

[BGBronco]

I've done this a few times on an Automatic. The shift tubes, as mentioned, are very hard to find but easy enough to repair if you can weld. For sure I would replace upper / lower bearings, wiring harness/turn signal switch, and shift collar / lever (major pain).

The other option, which you will wish you did after the fact, is to buy a rebuilt one. Toms and Northeast, I think are the only vendors that sell rebuilt. I think you still have to deal with the collar / shift lever unless you work that out with them beforehand.

If you do this yourself, the parts arent that expensive so load up your cart with anything that has your model year on it. WH has a great video from many years ago on doing this on an Auto. Seeing Jim do it (over 3 videos) will give you an idea of how to do it an if you want to tackle it.

 

[DirtDonk]

I just need to make sure I take good pictures as well so that I can remember how to put it back together...

This is a key for most projects these days!

 

[NJBronk]

I've done this a few times on an Automatic. The shift tubes, as mentioned, are very hard to find but easy enough to repair if you can weld. For sure I would replace upper / lower bearings, wiring harness/turn signal switch, and shift collar / lever (major pain).

The other option, which you will wish you did after the fact, is to buy a rebuilt one. Toms and Northeast, I think are the only vendors that sell rebuilt. I think you still have to deal with the collar / shift lever unless you work that out with them beforehand.

If you do this yourself, the parts arent that expensive so load up your cart with anything that has your model year on it. WH has a great video from many years ago on doing this on an Auto. Seeing Jim do it (over 3 videos) will give you an idea of how to do it an if you want to tackle it.

I saw the rebuilt one on Tom's but the price is pretty hefty... I feel like this is something I can tackle with a little patience, I just wanted to make sure I get all the right parts. I wasn't thinking of replacing the wiring and turn signal components, but I guess it doesn't hurt while I'm in there.

 

[DirtDonk]

Uh, maybe...
If your turn signal switch is still working after a relatively long life, I'd think very seriously about keeping it.
New stuff is a crap shoot at best, but old stuff can still wear out. I guess it's a gamble either way, so make your best guess and go for it.
If the new stuff works you won't have to do it again for a long, long time. But sometimes the old stuff outlasts the new stuff.

Then again, I'm a big user of the "while you're in there" method of working on old vehicles. And it makes sense to renew something "while you're in there" anyway.
And there's this thing I call "coincidental failures" where a previously perfectly good part decides to go to sleep permanently right after you work on something else.
Like the battery going dead right after you change the radio or cigar lighter or turn signal flasher. It "might be" related, or it might just be that your four year old battery decided it had lived long and prospered long enough.
But it happens all the time!

Have fun. Let us know what you find when you dig into it.
Oh, and what year is your Bronco again?

Paul

 

[NJBronk]

Uh, maybe...
If your turn signal switch is still working after a relatively long life, I'd think very seriously about keeping it.
New stuff is a crap shoot at best, but old stuff can still wear out. I guess it's a gamble either way, so make your best guess and go for it.
If the new stuff works you won't have to do it again for a long, long time. But sometimes the old stuff outlasts the new stuff.

Then again, I'm a big user of the "while you're in there" method of working on old vehicles. And it makes sense to renew something "while you're in there" anyway.
And there's this thing I call "coincidental failures" where a previously perfectly good part decides to go to sleep permanently right after you work on something else.
Like the battery going dead right after you change the radio or cigar lighter or turn signal flasher. It "might be" related, or it might just be that your four year old battery decided it had lived long and prospered long enough.
But it happens all the time!

Have fun. Let us know what you find when you dig into it.
Oh, and what year is your Bronco again?

Paul

1974. I tried to add it to my profile but not sure if I did it right…