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Shift Linkage Broken (Do it yourself or not)?

R

ryanwoodsvt

Be Gentle I'm New Here
Joined
Aug 26, 2002
Messages
4
Original owner of a 1998 SVT. Love it, don't want to get rid of it yet, only 87k miles.

However, had my first "major" issue in years. Yesterday, the linkage broke on the gear shifter. I have 3rd and 4th, but nothing else. I took it to the dealer today, and just about passed out on the repair quote. Here is what they told me:

$745.00 (labor, shop costs, and parts)

I was told over the phone that $120 of that was the part. Does the total seem right ($625 labor)? That seems like 6 hours of labor? Is that right?

So, I'm thinking of trying the repair myself (shade tree guy, oil, tires, minor repair experience). Is this a job I should try, or leave it to the professionals?

Thanks for your thoughts and comments.

Ryan
 
I replaced the cable set myself on my Cougar not long after I bought it. It isn't a FUN job, and it took me a week, including waiting around for Ford to order the new part (but I didn't really know what I was doing; I think I could do it in an afternoon if I had to do it again). I think $120 for parts is about right.

On the Cougar, you have to cut a hole in the carpet to reach the retaining nuts on the cables. Probably the same story on the SVT.
 
After doing some more reading last night (improved my search words), it seems my problem is a simple one. The cable is good, as I see it move when my buddy moves the shifter. I found this part list on an old thread:

The part number for the cable end that is most prone to wear (the 1 to 2 and 3 to 4 etc gate) is F7RZ-7412-AA with a list price of $12.02 (CEG price $9.62).

The part number for the neutral gate cable is XS8Z-7412-GA with a list price of $9.65 (CEG price $7.72).
Click to expand...

So, I'm assuming I need the "neutral gate cable" endcap, as my problem is getting to 1st/2nd and 5th/R, as only 3rd and 4th work. Is that right?

So I guess I need to call Bill Jenkins. :)

Ryan
 
SVT Loki said:
If it's a Shifter cable Swap it can be done by yourself in about an hour.
Click to expand...

Definitely not.

If you are talking about the cable ends on the tranny side, that can be done in about 20-30 mins. The shifter side end of the cables are not replaceable and require removing the whole console, pulling back carpet, exhaust, heatshields, etc.
 
Fortunately for me, the "broken" point is at the tranny side (black end), not the shifter. However, while looking at the problem some more, I noticed that the other one (white end) is not secured either, so it appears that I have two ends broken. Calling Bill now. :) :)

Ryan
 
Parts ordered from Bill Jenkins, roughly $25.00 with overnight shipping. Bill saved me $720.00..... :) Thanks Bill.

Ryan
 
CSVT1214 said:
Definitely not.

If you are talking about the cable ends on the tranny side, that can be done in about 20-30 mins. The shifter side end of the cables are not replaceable and require removing the whole console, pulling back carpet, exhaust, heatshields, etc.
Click to expand...

You don't have to touch the exhaust, just the heatshield. Center console comes out in less then 10min. The carpet and getting to the 4 bolts is the biggest pain.

I did it alone with no instructions and no lift in about an hour and twenty minutes.

With a little know how from this site and a helping hand it can be done in under an hour
 
SVT Loki said:
You don't have to touch the exhaust, just the heatshield. Center console comes out in less then 10min. The carpet and getting to the 4 bolts is the biggest pain.

I did it alone with no instructions and no lift in about an hour and twenty minutes.

With a little know how from this site and a helping hand it can be done in under an hour
Click to expand...

I agree here. I also did this in a 02 Cougar in 45 minutes...
 
havn't had the pleasure of doing in on the tour(does feel a lil sloppy though) but from what I gather it's about the same as my focus; center console, pull back carpet, two bolts that are a PITA, and a small hole to shove them through. Which I mad a lil bigger with a dremel.
 
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