Broken Column Shifter 1991 Taurus Wagon

[al bradley]

Started engine went to take it out of park and the shifter broke. It just wiggles around. I took the plastic cover from around the steering wheel tube and I took out the ignition switch. I can see the problem with a flashlight. There is a pot-metal tube connected to the shift lever and it surrounds a steel rod. The pot-metal tube has broken and I can see the break in the tube down in the steering column. The tube evidently helps to pull the cable that goes through the firewall to the transmission where the neutral safety switch is located. It must be possible to lower the steering mechanism down from the dashboard? Under the steering column there is a small cross-member that can be removed with two screws, then I think I can remove the four bolts that hold a black stamped steel support cover under the steering column and I think the steering tube will lower down toward the floor-pan. I'm thinking then I can get at the broken tube mechanism and remove it and go to a junk yard and find a replacement. Do you think the steering column lowers? I hesitate to start on my strategy if the whole thing could go to hell on me.

[wafrederick]

Probally will not find one in a yard,most of the 1991 models went into the crusher.Better off going to the dealer getting the pieces new.Some parts are not worth getting used and you are back to square one.