Console to column shift swap mod?

[invertedspear]

Completely pointless to have a chunky console shifter.

While I agree it's not necessary, I want the option. I like resting my hand on the shifter, maybe it's a habit from driving manuals in the ancient times, but I'm just more comfortable with my hand resting on something like this when driving, and it would look silly to have a random hand grip

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[VAF84]

While I agree it's not necessary, I want the option. I like resting my hand on the shifter, maybe it's a habit from driving manuals in the ancient times, but I'm just more comfortable with my hand resting on something like this when driving, and it would look silly to have a random hand grip

That's fair, and I can relate as I'm an ex-manual driver. However, I got used to the open space when I had my F250. When I switched to a half ton, I felt like I lost a lot of space with the shifter there.

 

[COrocket]

If I had to point to the time Ford interior engineering was at its peak, was when my prior Super Duty that had the column shifter, then this nice storage area (where the folding shifter now is) and a sliding cup trim that allowed the storage area to convert into quad cup holders if needed.

It was simply marvelous and would work great in newer trucks with the work surface! I still don’t know why Ford went to a motorized shifter that takes up usable space, is more complicated/expensive and is one more motorized gadget that can break.

 

[VAF84]

If I had to point to the time Ford interior engineering was at its peak, was when my prior Super Duty that had the column shifter, then this nice storage area (where the folding shifter now is) and a sliding cup trim that allowed the storage area to convert into quad cup holders if needed.

It was simply marvelous and would work great in newer trucks with the work surface! I still don’t know why Ford went to a motorized shifter that takes up usable space, is more complicated/expensive and is one more motorized gadget that can break.

I agree completely, I had the exact same one. That console is perfect for Lightining. I’m assuming that the only reason it’s not on the Lightning is that they don’t have that shifter area type on any of the current F150 options; so the accountants opted to request that they use the options available rather than make engineering changes and order new parts. Then again, as I write this, I’m thinking of everything they had to do to accommodate a folding shifter. Doesn’t make sense.

 

[Pioneer74]

I still don’t know why Ford went to a motorized shifter that takes up usable space, is more complicated/expensive and is one more motorized gadget that can break.

Knowing many customers prefer a console shifter, Ford has created a stowable unit for F-150, which easily folds into the center console with the push of a button and allows full access to the large work surface when in park.

https://media.ford.com/content/ford.../built-for-getting-things-done-ford-f150.html

 

[Vakatack]

Has anyone figured out a way to do this? I just bought a ‘23 Lightning Platinum and getting rid of this console shifter is a must. I noticed that when leaving the car in drive and opening the driver door it automatically shifts into P for you. Not sure how the truck will handle that situation if it was swapped out for a dual or a column shifter

 

[invertedspear]

Has anyone figured out a way to do this? I just bought a ‘23 Lightning Platinum and getting rid of this console shifter is a must. I noticed that when leaving the car in drive and opening the driver door it automatically shifts into P for you. Not sure how the truck will handle that situation if it was swapped out for a dual or a column shifter

Dial is easy. The MME has a dial shifter and it doesn't really care about the position of the dial, it would just swap the display to "P" in that situation. I think the column would be an issue, you'd have to disable that automatic shifting or have a motor in the column shifter.

 

[RickKeen]

There is a thread where somebody replaced the Lightning Shifter with a shifting dial from a Mustang MME. But they put it in the same place, not really creating any new console spaced. I would move it to the dash somewhere.
Maybe ditch the trailer steering thingy I never use and put it there. wiring harness might actually reach there as well.
Would require some custom fabricated parts. Some 3D printing likely needed.

 

[Vakatack]

There’s a small space right under the trailer brake control that might fit a dial but I’m assuming it’s not going to be plug and play. How would the wiring work? Do you have any more info about the guy who used the mustang dial? Thanks in advance

 

[Magendi]

I so hope someone figures this out. The giant waste of space for a fake non-mechanical shifter is so dumb. My 2014 Ram had a dial on the dash and it was just so clean and efficient.

 

[RickKeen]

https://www.f150lightningforum.com/forum/threads/rotary-shifter-possible.18630/

 

[s_c]

Agreed, the change is a must for me as well. Came from a Ram with jumpseat and rotary dial shifter. Don’t need the rotary dial, column lever is just as good, but I need that floor space between the seats. The ford jumpseat with the extra two cupholders you can put out on the floor would be amazing.

https://www.f150lightningforum.com/forum/threads/rotary-shifter-possible.18630/

I heard about this but didn’t see the thread. Thanks for the link!

I am also planning on putting the knob under the brake controller at this point. Thought not sure it will fit. Also looking for a junk stock shifter to take apart and see if a miniature switch can be attached with some custom (3D print maybe?) linkage

 

[Vakatack]

Quick update on this. The dial from the Ford Escape is plug and play. The L button acts as the 30 min neutral button. I was able to make the shifter fit where the trailer brake controller is. The dial housing is larger than I had anticipated. I don’t ever tow anything so I just threw the trailer brake behind since there’s plenty of space back there. The only problem now is the wire doesn’t reach. I’m working on getting an extension cable from the company that makes the column to console swap kit. They don’t seem to want to sell one without selling the entire $500 kit. If anyone has any info on how I could get that harness or even make my own please let me know because I definitely don’t want to cut and splice the factory harness.

 

[Grumpy2]

WOW, I admire your courage.

 

[Vakatack]

WOW, I admire your courage.

Trust me it wasn’t easy to make that first hole in the trim haha. I called ford first and found the part number. $250 if I totally butchered it but ended up being ok

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