im a rookie mechanic and i notice when i pull alot of ford/mercury vechicles into the shop that a majority of them have their shift indicator inaccurate, im talking about the the indicators in the cluster, the little red indicator always seems to be off one gear like when u go from park the indicator line is on R etc etc, just something ive noticed on alot of fords, maybe someone has a quick answer for this, im assuming it has to do with the trannys cable, i havent been presented the opportunity to check into it.

Some Ford shifters are cables; many older RWD Fords used a solid linkage, but yes you are correct, its generally an adjustment that is required, especially after major work, like a transmission removal/rebuild.

Many cars that I have encountered have the same problem; it's not unique to Fords.

agreed. I have to adjust the one on my chevy every few years. On my column shift its a spring-loaded cable that is attached to the column very poorly. The attachment point slips and the indicator is off. On mine anyway its a 2-minute fix with a phillips screwdriver.