Steering column removal

Discussion in 'Classic Mustangs' started by ChubbyDragon, Dec 24, 2004.

  1. ChubbyDragon New Member

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    I got a new Flaming River gearbox for my '66. I am trying to remove the column that surrounds the steering shaft, but it refuses to come out. I have removed the cone bearing and the support bracket that holds the column in place. I can twist the column in place but it refuses to come out.

    What am I missing???
  2. 65 A Code Member

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    steering wheel off? there are several screws and nuts that have to come off that are under the steering wheel. Also have to disconnect the turn signal wires
  3. HistoricMustang Active Member

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  4. WORTH New Member

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    what year?
    auto or standard?
  5. jimijuggernaut Member

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    i'm having the same problem with my 67! can turn the shaft but still won't come out of the steering box. damn it all to hell! been fighting with it for three days. if someone knows the trick please help!
  6. krash kendall New Member

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    On the early models the shaft is integral to the box and has to come out through the engine bay. The column, however, should slide off after the steering wheel is pulled.
  7. Edbert Founding Member

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    KK has it right. All 65 thru early 67s had a one-piece steering shaft was is integrated into the steering box. These are deadly by the way, and significant head-on situation without shoulder restraints will result in a nice impalement of the driver.

    Anyhow, to remove it one must also take out the drivers seat, then you negotiate the box (with shaft attached up and around the mastrer cylinder (harder with power brakes or dual chamber MCs), once it is that high the shaft will be on the carpet where the seat was, then you should be able to JUST get the box over/around the shock tower. If you get that far you're pretty much done :D
  8. ChubbyDragon New Member

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    just so there is no confusion, I am trying to remove the steering column, which surrounds the shaft. The shaft attaches to the steering box. If I am not using the right lingo, please set me straight.

    The steering wheel has been removed and the turn signal mechanism has been removed from the shaft/column(although the wires are still running through the column). The wires coming out of the steering column have been disconnected from the wiring harness.

    If it matters, I have a '66 coupe, pony interior, 289, manual 4 speed and long tube(4-into-1) headers.

    I like the possiblility of removing the seat and pulling the gearbox and shaft up out of the top of the engine. I'll give that a shot before removing the motor mount and raising the engine.

    I'll post some pictures after the holidays, if it will help clarify things.

    Merry Christmas, everyone!
  9. nds03 New Member

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    under the dash there is a bracket that holds the column to the underside of the dash. take it off and the column will slide right off. the hard part is getting the steering box out
  10. jimijuggernaut Member

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    thanks for the info fellas!
  11. spirockp Member

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    Am I understang this correctly? Remove the steering wheel, Unbolt the column from under the dash and pull the column off. After that the column inners are still attached? How does that come off, even after you get the steering box and column inneres out of the car?

    I don't understand? :(
  12. Edbert Founding Member

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    Skip, what year is your car? 65-66 and early 67s had a one peice shaft (inside the tube) that is permanently attached to the steering box. So yeah, if that is the year you have you understand it correctly EXCEPT that when you take the gearbox out it comes out with the shaft.

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