Accessing those bolts isn't difficult as mentioned, the biggest challenge is getting the trim shroud off the steering column proper.

 

When I did it, I didn't have to remove the shroud--the bolts were above the pedals, kind of near the firewall, not inside the shroud.

Jason

 

Think I just looked at the wrong bolts just now lol. The shift tube was flopping around in the shroud shaft though

 

Well I can't seam to find the need bolts at all. I'm sure they are there, but with my bad back I can't contort myself enough to see them. I did notice the shift tube clamp bushings are shredded though. Could thes two $1.99 plastic bus sings be casing the shift tube to be floppy?

 

Yes they could.

 

I just cant get to these bushings. I wonder how much my mechanic at the local menike car center would charge me to drop the colum to install $5 in plastic bussings, LOL.


I need a few local FTE Members as friends to help me with my very first but long dreamed about PSD 7.3 Turbo.

 

Not sure I'm seeing how you'd do that Jason---t'would be great if that's possible.

Okay listen up Kiddoes--------schoolin' commencin'.............

Upper shroud in place, lower removed for other reasons, 2 photos:








Upper Bushings, straps and Torx bolt heads, shroud removed:




Lower bushings, straps & Torx bolt heads, barely visible under the cluster:




To remove upper shroud ignition cylinder needs to be removed first. There is a ball detent or catch in the cylinder assembly, looks like this:






That ball detent is located on the underside of the column superstructure, thusly:



Note: Instrument cluster trim removed for other reasons, not necessarily required for this maintenance.

Alice something to consider when seeking help here---always post your van details each time. Year, motor, suspension (E150, E250 etc). On occasion that info is needed to best help without asking for it. If that info is in your signature keep in mind not everyone (me for example) has their FTE pages set to include those in the forum threads.

Anyway hope this helps-----if not ask again and we'll try.

 

ahh ok, my bad. those are the bolts I checked and the plastic bussing where just destroyed. part isn't expensive, just funny shipping cost more then the parts, lol.


99 e350 2x4 7.3 turbo, didn't realize was needed in every post ill create a sigy with it soon

 

Repeating my earlier reply post your vehicle in the thread, don't rely on a signature to convey that---not everyone has their display preferences to show signatures, avatars and such.

Those bushings are available from your local dealer, if one is near you.

 

only reason I was thinking online is they are $1.99 each. im not sure how much the dealer will want but have tomorrow off so may call them up


99 e350 ext 7.3 turbo

 

IIRC I paid like $0.89 each for mine from the dealer. Check with other local or close-by parts sellers----you might find them there too.

 

that's the plan foe today actually. I am just not sure how I can do the repair myself. my t30 tool just doesn't make it to the front strap and would have no clue how to reach the rear ones. only way I see is dropping the column from the dash but being a srs system kind of makes me uneasy to do that. going to find out mechanic cost today too. but maybe I can get it fixed in 2 weeks after my tags. but not holding my breath. about 14hrs this week and less last week being sent home sick. dammed if u do dammed if you don't.


99 e350 ext 7.3 turbo

 

Public apology:

Besides being a mostly peaceable sort, my belief is that if you find fault with anyone, you should also be prepared to recognize merit in that person. Some time back, JWA and I annoyed each other (the specifics are too trivial to recount here). I'm sorry it happened, but especially so because in looking at this very useful thread it's obvious that JWA has made a special effort to get the O.P.'s questions answered, not to mention help anyone in the future who has similar problems. This level of input is what can make this medium a valuable source of info. So, JWA, sorry for my part of that dumb little exchange of a couple of months ago (if you even recall it). And thanks for the good effort here!

--Smitty

 

My points then remain the same now but because I didn't put much thought into the topic then or now its simply water under the bridge---in a way.

My efforts here are somewhat altruistic but only to the point helping someone avoid mistakes or learning curves I've endured since owning a Ford E-Series vehicle. I hope to be consistent in that effort even if it doesn't please everyone or occasionally disagrees with another's opinion.

 

Adding some photos for Alice's benefit or anyone else looking in contemplating this job...........

There are four nuts holding the column superstructure to the body, a few of them shown here. Pay attention to the column orientation as these photos show it from top looking down opposite too:










This one shows a piece that would have to also be removed in order to drop the column while still connected to the steering shaft and resting the steering wheel on the front seat:



Any questions don't hesitate to ask!