'40 Pickup Steering Column Removal

[rockitdoc]

I removed the clamp at the steering box, removed the wheel and the dash mount but can't get the column to separate from the box. What's the trick?

 

[glennpm]

I removed the clamp at the steering box, removed the wheel and the dash mount but can't get the column to separate from the box. What's the trick?

The bottom of the column tube has been gripped tight with perhaps a little rust between it and the steering box. You need to spread and pry it carefully at the slot.

 

[pistonbroke]

It's been five or so years but I seem to remember a snap ring on the shaft below the wheel. This may have been on a later ford, I'm a littel fuzzy as I have done several collum swaps over the years.

 

[rockitdoc]

The bottom of the column tube has been gripped tight with perhaps a little rust between it and the steering box. You need to spread and pry it carefully at the slot.

Thanks Glen,

That solved the removal of the tube surrounding the steering column. But, how does the column come apart from the box?

 

[Mart]

The shaft is integral to the steering box. It doesn't come out without removing the complete steering box and tearing it down.

This all begs the question: What are you trying to do?

Mart.

 

[petehoovie]

Thanks Glen,

That solved the removal of the tube surrounding the steering column. But, how does the column come apart from the box?

View attachment 585103

 

[rockitdoc]

The shaft is integral to the steering box. It doesn't come out without removing the complete steering box and tearing it down.

This all begs the question: What are you trying to do?

Mart.

Mart,
I'm trying to separate the cab from the frame. Getting the steering column out of the way seemed like a logical step, but perhaps not?
Thanks,
Scott

 

[bobH]

Seems to me, if you want to do that, you would have to separate the drag link, unbolt the box from the frame, lift the truck, drop the box and shaft out the bottom. Mart? Your thoughts?

 

[glennpm]

Seems to me, if you want to do that, you would have to separate the drag link, unbolt the box from the frame, lift the truck, drop the box and shaft out the bottom. Mart? Your thoughts?

You also need to remove the floor plates around the column. It may be possible to remove out the door instead of from the bottom. You'd probably need to jack the frame up a couple of feet to remove from the bottom. Others have done it from the bottom.

 

[rockitdoc]

Steering column removed!

Of course the steering box has to come out from the bottom. Also, the tie rod and the pitman arm have to be disconnected from one side (I did the pass side) so the box and column will clear. Pretty easy when you know how. And, thanks to you all, who knew how, it was easy.

Thanks, again.

S

 

[petehoovie]

Steering column removed!

Of course the steering box has to come out from the bottom. Also, the tie rod and the pitman arm have to be disconnected from one side (I did the pass side) so the box and column will clear. Pretty easy when you know how. And, thanks to you all, who knew how, it was easy.

Thanks, again.

 

[glennpm]

Steering column removed!

Of course the steering box has to come out from the bottom. Also, the tie rod and the pitman arm have to be disconnected from one side (I did the pass side) so the box and column will clear. Pretty easy when you know how. And, thanks to you all, who knew how, it was easy.

Thanks, again.

S

Good for you!

 

[Mart]

I don't know what equipment you have but if you can lift the cab high enough, you could leave it in place. If not, Remove the steering box from below. You will have to follow the advice above re removing drag link etc. In reality it might not need removing completely. Maybe just take the bolts out and let it drop back as the cab is removed. It all depends on what you are trying to do.