Ford F-150 Car and Truck Gear Shifters
The gear shifter in your Ford F-150 truck engages the engine, allowing you to control the vehicles direction and pulling power. Whether you are rebuilding a vintage vehicle, replacing damaged equipment in your truck, or upgrading the interior, you will need to get the right parts. The transmission type, the mounting location, and your personal taste are important considerations prior to purchasing a replacement gear shifter for your Ford F-150.
What are the types of Ford F-150 gear shifters?- Automatic transmission: Since 2009, Ford trucks like the F-150 Tonka and Raptor only come with automatic transmissions. Gear shifters of this type are called gear selectors or levers. They can be attached to the columns of steering wheels or the center console. They let you choose from drive, reverse, neutral, and parking options, as well as lower gears for accelerating when your pickup is toting a heavy load or climbing uphill.
- Manual transmission: The 3 and 5-speed manual F-150s were sold until 2008. Manual gear shifters are located in front of the center console, and can be mounted on the floor of the pickup or an extension of the console, depending on the truck model. Shifters of this type require the driver to select every gear desired of the engine, and can minimize use of the brakes, because downshifting engages the engine braking system.
- Shift knobs are needed for gripping manual transmission shifters; these are offered in 3 or 5-speed designs for Ford F-150s.
- A shifter cable communicates the desired gear from the selector to the transmission. Automatic F-150s have one cable while manual models have two.
- A transfer case shift mode selector allows you to switch between 2 and 4-wheel drive for taking your pickup off-road.
Shifter knobs and selectors can be round, cylindrical, or T-shaped. Most are black, gray, or silver tone, and come in several materials:
- Leather
- Rubber
- Chrome
- Plastic
- Steel./li>
- Select the gear shifter for the type of transmission in your truck.
- Pick a knob or handle style that matches the vehicle interior.
- Choose parts specified for console, wheel column, or floor-mounted selectors.
- Determine whether the parts are from the original equipment manufacturer or an aftermarket supplier.
Whether you are working on a vintage Ford F-150, a Tonka, or a Raptor, taking into account the vehicle requirements and your personal taste will help you pick the F-150 gear shifter to meet your needs.