There is what appears to be an aluminum bracket that is attached both to the steering column (4 bolts) and to a steel frame (2 bolts). Will it fall by removing only the 2 bolts to the frame?
Also, there is a thin metal plate attached to the interior side of the firewall that the steering column passes through. It looks like this would have to be removed for the column to be able to drop?
Any expertise is appreciated.

 

Pretty much remove the bolts at the firewall, remove any wiring harnesses, if auto remove the PRNDL wire from the column shifter, remove the two bolts at the bracket, and I believe you need to go into the engine compartment and loosen the bolt that holds the shaft on... and then pull it out. Haven't pulled a column in sometime, but this is what I remember off the top of my head.

 

I think he's talking about dropping the column, not removing it.

If he's just gonna drop it, he doesn't need to deal with the firewall stuff, just the aluminum plate and whatnot at the dash/column junction.

At least, this is how I remember it....

Where ya been, Anthony?

 

No, I'm not removing the column. Just dropping it enough to access the ignition switch and linkage. Will the column pivot freely at the firewall? If so, this will eliminate the disconnect in the engine bay. It looks like just two of the six bolts on the aluminum bracket need to be removed. I'll post some pics tomorrow. By the way...85 f150 4x4 351 HO.
Thanks.

 

It should be fine at the firewall.

I seem to recall removing 4 bolts but it's been a while....

 

I have got to learn to stop skimming when I read.
I've been busy getting my XJ ready for Winterfest '12 and winter in general. Now that things are a little more squared away on that front, I'm back on the forums again. And hey, Happy Thanksgiving Chris!

 

After you have removed the black plastic sleeve from the column, BE CAREFUL to unhook the shift indicator cable, as dohc_chump mentioned.
If you miss doing this, it will get broken by the weight of the column dropping.
The replacement indicators are not cheap.

Yes, once, & I won't do it again.

 

Okay, removed cover and exposed the PRNDL cable; unhooked and moved to side. Decided to go ahead and see if column would drop without messing with anything at the firewall. Six bolts on the aluminum bracket, 4 are attached to the column. Loosended the other two on the "wings" of the brackett and she dropped right down and rested on the seat. Checked the keyed tumbler and it seems to work okay. Hope nothing wrong inside the column.
Just before I dropped the column I notice a wiring harness running along the side near the dash, so I gave it a gentle tug down to look at the connector and see how it might come apart. When I did this, something gave up at the ignition switch and was floating around up there. The key would not get power in any position. Dropped the column and saw why. The top of the switch just popped right off the bottom part attached to the column. Removed the bottom and unplugged the connector to the top part. Tried to pop the top back in place but it doesn't want to stay. Inside the switch looks okay, nothing apparently broken. Now I don't know if the switch was the problem, but will go ahead and replace I guess. Don't think the top should have come off that easy, and it doesn't want to go back on anyway.
Hope this will fix it. If not, more troubleshooting.