"40 Gearshift Tube?

[Fred A]

Doing a couple of steering columns for me and a friend and have found that the shift tube fulcrum(01A-7219) at the top is frozen(rusty?). What are the chances that both are rusted solid? Yes, I have removed the shift lever and the tube is separated from the steering mast. Don't see any retaining pin in the Ford illustrations. Next move is some serious heat. Is this a common problem? Any warnings? Thanks: Fred A

[rotorwrench]

It's likely only a problem for cars that have had the interior exposed to the elements for any length of time or the steering mast stored separately in a not so dry condition. You can soak it in a passive rust remover like vinegar or molasses then free it up with a soak in acetone & ATF mix.

[richard crow]

at the top of the shift shaft there is a insert that has a lock clip vissable inside the flared end when the steering wheel is removed. it holds what i call a bullet tipe part that goes inside the shiff shaft with a spring. they rust solid there you can remove the horse shoe type lock clip that makes it possable to remove the shift tube whitch you all ready have done. now at the top end heat the shaft & gentley tap around it the bullet will come out. there is no danger. the shaft slides up & down on that bullet so you can select the gear you want.you must clean the inside of the shift shaft & the bullet so it moves in & out freely also check the spring.

[skidmarks]

Even the super rusty ones I have taken apart didn't take a lot of heat. The outer tube area is not very thick were the bullet slides in. Some heat and some taping with a hammer . Most likely the spring needs replaced . Clean both pieces really good and use never sieze when you put it back together.

[Fred A]

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One worked loose with a soak with Kroil and the other a bit more smoke and spitting with the heat. The triangular jawed vice-grip kept the damage to a minimum. Thanks for the insights. Fred A