taking steering column out

[joners]

Well I have the car basically stripped ('66 Coupe) and the only thing left is the steering column. How do I take it apart from the steering box? I have to replace the firewall so it must be out soon! It doesnt say in my manual how to do so.

 

[66stangbluework]

there will be two studs with nuts on them, i believe they are 1/2 size for ur ratchet. These are found just after the half circle in the dash that the steering column goes through, take these nuts off the 2 studs and remove the column by twisting/ pulling out, and of course removing the steering wheel.

 

[69Rcode_Mach1]

Yep what he said, there may also be some bolts that hold a boot to the firewall that will have to be removed as well. It is very simple though just 3-4 bolts I think I can't remember exactly.

 

[joners]

So you have to remove the steering wheel to pull out the column from the steering box? I already had the support piece to the dash off.

 

[dennis112]

So you have to remove the steering wheel to pull out the column from the steering box? I already had the support piece to the dash off.

Yes you have to remove the steering wheel too--remove the large bolt and, with some luck, you can palm hit it from behind on both sides and it will pop off. Otherwise you will need a steering wheel puller (a harmonic balancer puller will also work in a pinch.)

 

[Edbert]

The wheel MUST come off first.

Two bolts hold the column to the dash.

Four hold the bracket to the firewall on my 67, but you may get her out without removing that (depending on condition).

 

[joesgt281]

Good article with pics here:
http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2002/07/steeringbox/index.shtml
It's for a 67 but is also a long shaft box like yours.

 

[69Rcode_Mach1]

I think he just wants to take the whole thing apart as an assembly. If so he just needs to do the two nuts that link it to the steering box, then he needs a pitman arm puller and undo the 3 bolts that hold it to the engine bay and out comes the box if he wants that out too.

 

[joners]

WOW, I didnt know that the shaft was one piece to the steering box...

 

[Edbert]

I think he just wants to take the whole thing apart as an assembly. If so he just needs to do the two nuts that link it to the steering box, then he needs a pitman arm puller and undo the 3 bolts that hold it to the engine bay and out comes the box if he wants that out too.

Maybe in a 68-70 it does...LOL. Getting the steering column out is easy, but that long shaft is nearly a permanent part of the box and the box wont fit through the firewall. getting the box out with the long shaft is...FUN! Plan on taking out the driver's seat, that will be a requirement, it also helps if there's no motor in the car.

I did this not too long ago, here's some pictures of my column:

 

[joesgt281]

Plan on taking out the driver's seat, that will be a requirement
QUOTE]

I've heard this stated elsewhere as well and I'm not sure why.
I pulled my long shaft box out (with engine out) but didn't need to pull the seat at all.

 

[Edbert]

I can only guess that having the engine out made it possible. I had no headers on mine and the seat out (still is too...LOL) and it still took a bit of jockeying.

 

[fastdave]

Dont forget to unplug the wiring harness for the turn signals and horn....

 

[joners]

Everything is pulled, EVERYTHING!

Only thing left in the interior is the steering column. Replacing firewall and floor over the next few weeks.

 

[66stangbluework]

I pulled my longshaft out with the engine in with headers and the seat in what a pain dinged up my freshly painted headers, alot. crapola