The shifter stopped shifting and started turning in a circular motion and would not shift?

1996 FORD F-150
220,000 MILES • 4.9L • V6 • 2WD • MANUAL
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BIGMANDAVE196260
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I tore the shifter down and bought a shifter rebuild kit. Installed it and later found out it should have been shut down in neutral but wasn't, it was shut down in reverse. I would like to know how I can get it placed in the neutral position while it's torn apart or is that the only way?
Aug 13, 2023 at 3:59 AM
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STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,249 POSTS
You should be able to reach down with a large standard screwdriver and move the shift forks. You may need to have someone turn the drive shaft slightly while you are trying to get it out of reverse. Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem so we can see what's going on.
Aug 14, 2023 at 6:49 AM
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