Ok I've watched numerous you tube videos where guys grind down the rod- is there some way to drop down the steering column slightly so I can get this in?

 

You have tilt wheel? Gonna be fun. There is a snap-on tool for removing the tilt pins and it makes the whole deal alot easier. You can use some properly sized screws as well but carnage may ensue if they aren't just right. Been awhile since i did mine. I wasn't aware of an easy way to do this so I will stay tuned to your thread in case I learn something.

 

You can cut it, but the steering wheel won't lock. Or remove the 3 bolts from the front of the collar and pull out the shaft and head. Then you'll have to remove the two threaded pins. That will allow you to disassemble the head.
I just did mine 2 days ago.

 

Hi there,
Well, I drove out a pin and can now tilt the whole thing back some, but it's still too close and still not enough room to get the rod in. I did end up cutting the rod, and then I got upset that I had, so I ordered another one, because i was worried I cut it too much. But how much would be too much? If it's just a question of the steering wheel not locking?

Where are the three bolts from the front of the collar? And the two threaded pins?

Here's a picture from a manual of what I removed- the wire bale, and the drift pin. God help me to remember how to put all this back together again, should the wonderful day arrive in which I can actually get the rod in.

And pictures of where I'm at, now. If someone can tell me how to get the assembly to tilt back JUST a little further, or where those bolts are, I would love it.
I've been at this for three days now...The reason I got into it is because I thought the glow plugs weren't really heating using the pliers method, and my ex-boyfriend hit a turkey, smashed the windshield, and left the truck for dead in my back yard. He maintains I should have just charged up the batteries and sprayed some ether in the airscoop and started up with pliers. He's probably right, but meanwhile, I am engaged in mortal combat with this situation.

So- thanks for all and any help!
-Lizzie

 

I cut it on my 91. Steering wheel still locked but I didn't have to use that key unlock switch that comes on manuals any more.

 

If i'm not mistaken, the silver bushing that is an inch to the left of center of the picture is one of the threaded bushings holding the tilt head together. There should be a matching one on the other side. The correct screw with a pair of vice grips attached to the head at a 90* angle the lightly tap the grips away from the column. Should pull the bushings with it. There are heavy springs holding the head in any position, you will have to fight these upon re-assembly. Just take pics like your doing and things should go back together just fine. Hope this helps...

 

Ugh I finally just cut the rod bc I didn't like the locking wheel anyway- and I managed to reassemble the tilt steering and get the spring and the lever back in which was a nightmare. But now small pieces are coming apart in the plastic wiring housings that I did not precisely photograph - I don't know what they are- horn? Glow plug wires? Does someone have a link to a diagram of the wiring/plastic parts? Thanks so much!

 

If you google "ford tilt steering column 1990 .jpg" , select IMAGES under the search bar. Find your picture. There is pages of diagrams. some parts, some wiring. Hope this helps.