Console to Steering Column Shifter Conversion - $800 Pre-Order

[BurritoGrande]

LOL -$800!!!

https://infotainment.com/shop/inter...o-steering-column-shifter-conversion-upgrade/

Sponsored

 

[Rlevans]

OK I never cared for the overly complicated console shifter and switched mine out for the rotary as soon as I could, but this seems dumb to me.

Did somebody have Marty Mcfly pick these up when he went back in time ?

To each his own, but a big clunky club hanging off the steering column that is basically the same electronic switch ?

Do they sell manual locking hubs and an add on transfer case for the front as well?

We don't have to do this anymore.

 

[RocketGhost]

I've never been a fan of column shifters. They just seem archaic. Especially now that shifting is electronic and you don't need anything to move - buttons would work just fine. I like a console shifter, it's easy and mindless and it's what I'm used to. I prefer not to reach for something like buttons or a dial on the dash.

I haven't had any problems with my shifter but if I do I'll just have Ford replace it since they updated the part and the new one shouldn't be a problem.

 

[halfbakedenchilada]

I've never been a fan of column shifters. They just seem archaic. Especially now that shifting is electronic and you don't need anything to move - buttons would work just fine. I like a console shifter, it's easy and mindless and it's what I'm used to. I prefer not to reach for something like buttons or a dial on the dash.

I haven't had any problems with my shifter but if I do I'll just have Ford replace it since they updated the part and the new one shouldn't be a problem.

I've got the upgraded shifter, and I *think* it's the same, or very very close. The replacement started out feeling pretty solid, but is clunky again and makes a click when I put it in gear ... it's so frustratingly cheap and over-engineered. I've ordered the stuff for the rotary shifter conversion (but I will miss resting my hand on the stock shifter).

 

[The Weatherman]

I've got the upgraded shifter, and I *think* it's the same, or very very close. The replacement started out feeling pretty solid, but is clunky again and makes a click when I put it in gear ... it's so frustratingly cheap and over-engineered. I've ordered the stuff for the rotary shifter conversion (but I will miss resting my hand on the stock shifter).

You’ll be surprised how quickly that ‘miss’ goes away.

 

[halfbakedenchilada]

You’ll be surprised how quickly that ‘miss’ goes away.

Ha, I am sure you are right! I will find a new place, and I'm really looking forward to getting that monstrosity out of my truck.

 

[WXman]

With everything being totally electronic these days, there is no reason why Ford shouldn't have just used a rotary shifter on the dash like Ram has been doing for 15 years. It's mind blowing why they continue to use ancient column and console shifters in their trucks.

 

[Albern]

This column shifter is a much better option than the Mach E rotary dial some people have been retrofitting. More space in the centre console and hopefully another option for 2 wireless phone charging pads that face onto the driver and front passenger - that are easy to reach.

 

[ryun]

Nice! I like that this is an option now. $800 does seem like a lot though compared to the ~$150 or so for the rotary dial. And both of these would involve removing the console shifter I imagine so it's not like you're saving any steps.

 

[JAXLightning]

I want to know what gear I’m in without the need to look so I hate rotary shifters. I like the column shifter idea for the fact that it’s not taking up space on the console. I wouldn’t pay $800 for it personally.

 

[topher10]

Is there any confirmation that Ford has upgraded the problematic shifter? Mine has been making strange clicking sounds after I turn off the truck, and it often will not move forward into the space. But it's working in terms of drive and park. I am wondering if a replacement will just have the same problem.

 

[kstype]

Saw this in the “Things to know”:

 

[halfbakedenchilada]

Is there any confirmation that Ford has upgraded the problematic shifter? Mine has been making strange clicking sounds after I turn off the truck, and it often will not move forward into the space. But it's working in terms of drive and park. I am wondering if a replacement will just have the same problem.

I am not sure. I do have the replacement, and when I first had it installed it seemed solid. It's now doing some extra clicking that makes me nervous, and so I am done with it and am installing the rotary shifter. I did ask my dealer if it was a new part and they said they didn't know. Sorry I don't have more info, but definitely the 'upgrade' doesn't seem much different to me!

 

[derelict]

I would love to see this when someone gets it installed. My last 2 trucks had column shifters and I would love to have one on this one... but I am afraid that it is going to block the view to my phone and I love where my phone mount is right now (right above the coinholder)

 

[HI Zeus]

In my opinion Ford screwed the pooch with the OEM shifter, primarily because of the motors that put it into park and fold it. If they had made it without the motors I bet it would have a +90% lower failure rate.

I'm not spending $800 on the column shift, so not investigating it enough to know if it also has a motor for shifting it into park for me (funny thing is, for 40+ years I always managed to do this at the appropriate times on my own!)

I've NEVER been a fan of the dial set up. Like @JAXLightning, I like to be able to feel the shift points without having to look at anything. With that said I am converting to the dial because it is the lesser of two POS designs in my opinion (I REALLY hate having to divert my eyes 90 degrees from the windshield to shift though). I seriously considered a dash dial for that reason, but just not interested in that level of mod... at the moment.

The easiest GOOD fix in my opinion would be to re-engineer the OEM shifter to eliminate the motors. That would mean you can't use the fold down console piece, but since I don't trust the current shifter to pop back up, that wouldn't change anything for me. They could also, I believe just have a mechanical release button that would allow it to hinge down for said purpose.

Modern car engineers are WAAYYYY to enamored with "gee wiz" gadgets in my opinion, To quote Jeff Goldblum's character in Jurassic park: "Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should".

Sponsored