Shift Cable Help ASAP

[Marccus]

I need new shift cables and the shift and bracket assembly that attaches to the input shaft of the transmission.

I'm limping around with cable ties and duct tape but I can't shift into reverse or first. I'm burning up my clutch doing this trying to start in 2nd or 3rd gear when I'm stuck in this gear at a stop and can't shift out of it.

I've already had to replace snapped cable ties and torn tap when just making small trips around town.

The cable tie and tape fix will only last through a couple of shifts.

The ball on the shift bracket snapped off into the socket of the selector cable (controls for-and-aft position of the shifter). Both socket ends of the crossover cable (rotates shaft) won't stay in the ball. I've used cable ties, but it doesn't look like it will last.

Anyone know part numbers for the two cables and where/if they can be purchased?

If obsolete, what is the alternative for repair?
-- Self-fix :headbang: or
-- Junk the car? :cry:

 

[Ishodu]

Why don't you try and find a rod shifter and convert your car so you won't have this issue. And if you really want to stick with the cables I am sure there are loads of used ones around from people who did convert. You could get one cheap or even free.

 

[Marccus]

I've tried to find a rod shifter. At one time I did find a seller (I think it was the Ford specialist in Georgia; the shop that is well respected), and a new kit costs $900. I can't afford this. Right now I'm unemployed and broke. I just got through doing calipers, rotors, and brake pads for all four wheels and installing front and rear reinforced motor mounts.

I haven't been able to find a used kit or a junked SHO that has a rod shifter attached.

:cry:

 

[Ishodu]

Have you tried posting a WTB on this forum?

 

[Marccus]

What is a "WTB" and how do you post one?

P.S. I know what WTF means!

 

[SuperchargedSHOguy]

Put a post in the wanted to buy section of this forum. Ebay just had one that ended a few days ago. I have seen complete used rod shifters sell for $100 and under alot on ebay.

 

[Marccus]

Roger that.
I'm on it.

 

[SuperchargedSHOguy]

When I had my 89 I went to ford to price the rod chifter conversion and it was like $600 new from them. I'm sure someone here has one for you

 

[Marccus]

I just found one on ebay.

The seller stated that he pulled it from a Taurus SHO and is selling the assembled unit for $50.00. No bids placed so far. It is assembled, sanded, primed, and painted.

The ad is titled:
'89-95 89-95 Ford Taurus SHO 5spd Rod Shifter Mercury Sable


Will this definitely fit my '89?

I've never seen a completely assebled unit outside the car, so I don't know what it should look like.

 

[SuperchargedSHOguy]

I have never performed the conversion but I have heard that it is not too hard. You will also need to modify the exaust pipe by where it mounts. Experts lend a hand... But yes that rod shifter will work for you.

 

[Gez89SHO]

The conversion is not too hard, as long as you know what you have to do and have all the parts. Read the Ford conversion procedure on SHOTimes:

Rod Shifter conversion step by step

All you need to know is there, this is what they gave the dealers to do the conversion (and they are experts on SHO's right?), and this helped me out to get the parts and exhaust ready and do the swap.
There are also pics of my swap here:
http://gzim.freeservers.com/shifter.html

This took me most of the weekend, and that includes taking out the console which is frustrating to take off at first. Ask if you have any more questions.

 

[Black89SHO]

I have never performed the conversion but I have heard that it is not too hard. You will also need to modify the exaust pipe by where it mounts. Experts lend a hand... But yes that rod shifter will work for you.

The conversion will work fine as long as all of the pieces are there. All the washers, nuts, bolts, etc. Make sure you get the bent resonator pipe, without it the conversion will not work. Go to Shotimes.com. They have a section on the rod shifter conversion with lots of pics. of all the parts you need and how to do the conversion. Good luck

 

[Marccus]

Thanks to all for help and suggestions, but I just don't have the money for the kit right now. :cry:

Out of work too long and laid off too many times in the last few years. :cry:

Just got finished doing brakes all around (calipers, rotors, and pads), new alternator, replaced brake lines, and now it seems like the power steering pump is going.

Have a place to live for five months now after living in my car for 55 weeks, and now it looks like it's back to the car come January.

What are you going to do ==> :sh:

Oh well, maybe this will all end soon and my luck will turn around.

Later.

 

[LeeSHO]

i think any mechanic that has worked on transmissions can fix that cable for you. i had the same problem on my old 89 and the guy fixed it for like $50. now if you're going to buy new ones, forget it, like stated earlier, do the rod shifter conversion. those cables cost $200 at Ford dealers.

 

[Marccus]

Thanks, I have things patched together for now and that should hold me.

The rod conversion is next. :thumbs_u: