Steering column shaft question
Thread Starter
|
5th Wheeling
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
Steering column shaft question
I'm rebuilding the column in my 79 F250. My question is can I separate the shaft into it's two sections: the D-shaft and the sleeve that it goes into. If I pull the inner out, does it ruin the connection? Can it be reinstalled with no ill effects? I've never had a Ford shaft apart, but know that the GM shafts of this era have plastic connectors that get ruined if pulled apart. Thanks for your help.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,398
Likes: 6
I just pulled mine apart to install the shift indicator. Really nothing to it. Biggest issue is getting the column compressed correctly when putting it back together for the mounting bolt tabs to line up. Easier if you have two people. Took about an hour to do the job. You may want to repack the bearing while you are at it.
Thread Starter
|
5th Wheeling
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
I tore into my column today and have come to the realization that the inner shaft is one solid piece. It does not have an inner and outer that can collapse during an accident like the passenger cars do. I also noticed that the whole column doesn't have a collapse feature. I wonder why Ford didn't incorporate this safety feature into the trucks?
Nonetheless, I'm now fighting getting the lower bearing to come off. There is some rust on the lower end of the shaft at the spines so maybe that is keeping the bearing from sliding off. I've put some penetrating oil on it and hammered on the end of the shaft trying to break it free but it's not moving. Is there snap rings or something keeping it together? I have the top end of the column completely loose. This is turning into a ton of work just to replace a few worn tilt components.
Nonetheless, I'm now fighting getting the lower bearing to come off. There is some rust on the lower end of the shaft at the spines so maybe that is keeping the bearing from sliding off. I've put some penetrating oil on it and hammered on the end of the shaft trying to break it free but it's not moving. Is there snap rings or something keeping it together? I have the top end of the column completely loose. This is turning into a ton of work just to replace a few worn tilt components.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,797
Likes: 2,599
From: The Shenandoah Valley
I just pulled mine apart to install the shift indicator. Really nothing to it. Biggest issue is getting the column compressed correctly when putting it back together for the mounting bolt tabs to line up. Easier if you have two people. Took about an hour to do the job. You may want to repack the bearing while you are at it.
I replaced my shift collar a while back as mine finally broke, and as much as I read up on it .... I still learned a bunch the hard way .... like needing a upper bearing puller and needing to loosen all the bolts and loosen the lower mount so the column can be pushed down away from that upper bearing (and I loosened the rag joint pinch bolt too).... and still I broke the neutral safety switch tab (replaced it the next week).
Back then anyway, trucks were property carrying conveyances and not so much passenger oriented, they were expected to work to earn their keep for the most part. Not a lot of frills, so they didn't fall under the same medelsome govt guidelines. Just a few years earlier, cars also had long one piece steering shafts.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
NMFirstF2504X4
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
20
Feb 11, 2014 10:47 AM
voodoosurfer
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Mar 27, 2011 03:55 PM
MAHinton
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
Feb 7, 2005 01:47 AM
skip4274
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
14
Apr 25, 2001 11:49 PM
