If you are going to replace or rebuild the box why not saw off the steering column shaft just above the box? Then you should be able to maneuver the box out of the frame. Rebuilt OEM boxes come with a new shaft, rebuild kit also comes with new shaft. If you are changing the box over to the Toyota and want to use the original column you'll need to cut it as well. Bottom line is no matter what you are going to do you'll likely will be cutting the shaft. The shaft is soft, you can easily cut it with a hacksaw or recip saw.

 

At this point, I am guessing the engine is so far forward that the oil filter housing is in line with the steering box. I can visualize your problem if this is the mounted position. For comparison, the front of my SBC block is in line with the center of the original frame engine mount cut out holes.

 

Yes, If that's the engine location I understand, my distributor is about a finger's distance from the firewall.

 

I don't know if this has been brought up or if it matters at this point - The 48-52 frame is 2 inches narrower in the front than the 53 and up - That may make the difference in what AX experienced and what you are facing now.

 

Yes that's my engine location. I could saw the old shaft and remove it but I'll have the same problem getting the new (F1) box in.

So if I do rent an engine hoist will I need a special bracket to hook onto the motor?

 

Yes that's my engine location. I could saw the old shaft and remove it but I'll have the same problem getting the new (F1) box in.

So if I do rent an engine hoist will I need a special bracket to hook onto the motor?

 

The hoist may come with a lift bracket (check with the rental companies as to what comes with it when deciding who to rent from. If not the common method is to remove the carb to avoid damage, then bolt a chain diagonally across the engine using the last intake hold down bolt on each side. Adjust the hoist hook location on the chain to balance the engine as desired. With a CSB you may need to remove the distributor for firewall clearance, be sure to watch it, and you may need to unbolt the tranny mount. If all you want to do is lift the front of the engine, you may be able to leave the carb in place and just bolt the chain to the front of the engine on each head or front cover. Always use grade 8 bolts and large thick washers to bolt the chain in place, and be sure the bolts are long enough to engage at least 3 or 4 turns of thread.

 

Sawing the steering shaft off won't help if he can't get the sector shaft clear of the frame hole. The outer steering shaft housing unclamps and can be removed as soon as the steering wheel is removed. If that helps?

Jim's idea isn't a bad one, the sector shaft should just slide out to the inside if the cover is removed. You might have to loosen the end cover too, but I don't think so.

 

Ross, I don't think there would be enough room to remove the shaft with his engine placed where I believe it is. Just went out and looked at mine and if the engine were a few more inches forward, my box would not come out nor could I disassemble it.

 

Won't help much to disassemble the box since he is putting another OEM box back in.

 

May not need to remove the sector shaft, just pushing it flush with the inner edge of the box would gain an inch or so. If I understand his problem, once he clears the frame with the sector shaft, he has room to maneuver.

With the new box, disassembly would only change the sector gear end play, which is pretty simple to set with it in place.

Edit: Looking at Ray's picture, if the engine on the OP's truck is further forward, it may indeed not work to slide the sector shaft over. It's about as wide as the yellow lines below

 

Just wanted to give an update and thank you all for help and encouragement.

I bought a used engine hoist on CL for $100 which did the trick. Used steering box is in and it's tight. Yes! I can finally drive my truck without drifting all over the road.

 

Congratulations. Always like to hear a successful resolve. And, you got a new tool, always a good thing.

 

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