Steering column issue

[Formula 40PC]

I purchase this 1976 CJ7 about a month ago. It ran and drove ok with no noticeable glitches.
I had some engine issues once I got it home and just got it running again.
When I go to drive it and put it into "D" the entire steering column spin and it wont go past "N". It will go into "R" or "N" but not past that unless I attempt it several times very fast and then it will randomly go to "D", "2" or "1". Any suggestions??

 

[Peanut Butter]

So it sounds like you broke something inside the steering column. The shift lever is pulled toward you to engage the outer shaft that controls the linkage arm. Your going to need to pull the entire steering assembly off to get to it. Here are a couple of pictures of what I'm talking about:



Notice the shaft with the splines cut into it. That is the actual steering part. A little further in and you see the round tube that turns the linkage which is at the other end.

Here is the other end:



Since these are GM columns, parts are easy to get, or you can get a junk yard column and replace yours. You could use the Outer Jeep parts on it to look original, steering wheel, etc.

This is the sleeve that the shift lever attaches to:



These are all the parts if you take a steering column apart, so keep everything in a bag and identified. Also take a lot of pictures as you take it apart, so you can reference them when you put it back together.




One other thing to check would be the linkage end of the column to make sure that connection is ok. Look from the column all the way back to the Transmission . You should have two arms that move from the column to the Transmission . The short one is pushed up against the frame into a bushing. These wear out too.

Lastly you can always go to an aftermarket cable shifter. Keeping the stock look I think is important, but it is a choice.

 

[Formula 40PC]

Thanks for the detailed info PB. I should clarify that just the outer shell of the column spins when trying to put in gear. The times that it does shift to "D" the shell does not spin. I will investigate more today, I am hoping for a loose screw or bolt.

 

[Peanut Butter]

I'm sorry it was a long time ago I took all that apart. I don't remember how it actually engaged that part of the column. Be sure to take a lot of pictures as you take the column apart. Lots of pieces. Here is some good information and pictures: http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f19/jeep-cj5-steering-column-rebuild-tilt-24062/ All the newer columns are pretty much the same from the steering wheel down to where you need to go.