Column Shift Confusion..

[WiscoXJ]

I bought a 90' comanche literally out of the weeds and in pieces a while back and am now on the verge of putting it back together.  the whole dash was removed so the column shift was detached.  I understand the components of it: lever, pin to hold it to the column, and the spring inside to hold it down.  Here is my issues at first i couldn't find the spring. then i find its still inside the column so i start the reassembly. however, the spring doesnt keep enough tension on the lever to keep it from slopping around.  i tried to remove the spring and it seems to be wedged in there pretty good.  I'm wondering if the spring is forced in to far so its not applying enough pressure or am i missing a piece.  Ive never worked on a column shift before and am trying to put back together a pile pf parts i bought. any help is appreciated.

[HOrnbrod]

Replace the worn out (or broken) spring. I used a 90* dental pick and small needle nose pliers to get the pieces out.

 

http://comancheclub.com/topic/42891-saginaw-column-shifter-spring-replacement/

 

http://www.classicparts.com/1973-02Shift-Handle-Control-Spring-w_Tilt/productinfo/91-131/#.VPSSd-GS_hk

 

[WiscoXJ]

Thanks man, I'll take a look and see what's up. 9 bucks for that little spring.. Lol ouch

[Crash]

I hear that YJ column shift columns are plug n pray. Also, many older GM columns will work. But, not all of those had the position apparatus on the column itself. 

[deziped1]

Some later 80"s chevy columns will work.  He doesn't need shift indicator on column as most 88 on had it in the guage cluster, oh, unless he wants the older style.

Had  similar problem. 1st time spring had broke off about 1/4inch so column was sloppy in making the shift (didn't need to pull it back to make shift) .Pull it straight down and release in what ever gear you wanted.  New spring cured it.  2nd time the shift selector lever inner tip wore out and broke off just enough to where it would not make sufficient contact with spring to put pressure on lever. Shifted just like first incident.  Pick & pull JY replacement selector cured that one.   Hornbrod is correct, use a small hook on a stiff piece of wire, or bend your good hook set at a 90% angel and it will go in to retrieve the spring. You don't have to dis-assemble the column to get to it some times, just pull the shift lever out and be prepared to spend some time accomplishing the extraction. Installation is more fun.  Lots of giggle, twist & turning, pushing, cursing if needed, but it will make the turn and slide in.  Good luck.