Sorry to need help two days in a row, the good news is that with all y'alls input I was able to get the truck up and running.

The next issue I wanted to tackle was the steering column. I'll try to keep it short.

The truck was at the mechanics for overheating - turns out the thermostat was installed backwards. While it was there I wanted him to put a new CAM in so both of my blinkers would work.

I thought it sounded simple, but somehow he broke bearings or something not easily fixed and had to get me a new steering column. Thankfully he was nice enough to take blame, picked one out and painted it how it was etc.

The issue is that when I turn left or right there is a constant ticking / clicking sound. Much like a clock. The mechanic has thrown his hands in the air saying he did the best he could; "remember I replaced it for free" blah blah blah.

I'm worried about driving it (now that it runs) because I don't know if the steering column is just gonna fall out or what. I didn't have any issues before he put in the new cam / replaced the steering column, but now my horn doesn't work and there is the ticking / clicking sound.

Immediately my assumption is "pull the column," but I don't know what I'd be looking for to be out of place. Could he have gotten the wrong column? Not sure if an improper one would even fit.

If I paid a more reliable and capable mechanic how long should I expect them to take to remove, disassemble and reassemble? (I like to go in knowing a rough estimate of labor hours)

 

Does the turn signal return properly now??

The noise could be something simple, but likely have to pull the steering wheel to see. You can have the wheel off in a matter of minutes.

 

I'm not sure. I've been waiting for a few engine parts to arrive before I actually take it out and drive it.

I did however turn the wheel while parked and I can clearly hear the click towards the top of the steering column, more towards the wheel. I'm hopeful that I can just pull off the horn, wheel and something obvious will be sticking out at me.

I'll poke around on the forums, but does anyone have a write up of pulling the wheel? I'm not even sure how to get the horn off. d: I've done a bit of research; unplug the battery, pull the horn, use wheel puller, and hopefully solve the problem - that's my game plan anyway. I'll report back.

 

Yes, unplug the horn(so it can't go off).

Push down and twist the horn **** off. Watch there is a spring that will fall out too. It's big, you can't loose it.

Use a socket to loosen the nut(it is like 7/8"?). Then use puller to get wheel off. There are other ways, but this wil keep thing from getting damaged.

The wheel comes off and there is another spring below it, that keeps pressure UP on the wheel to keep the bearings seated in the column.

 

Thank you thank you for the tips. Hopefully I'll get to it this weekend and can report back with the issue.

I'm considering also replacing the steering wheel while I have it pulled. I don't have power steering, but wanted to go down to a 15" wheel. The current one is in less than desirable condition; cracked. I'll try to take before and after pictures so you can see what you've helped create! (:

 

Update:
I finally got outside to do truck work. Here is the thing, as soon as I started to loosen the big nut under the wheel, the wheel basically "popped" off right away. The more I loosened the more the wheel kept lifting off. There is a spring around the "nut shaft" that appears to be why it lifted off right away.

In my mind I'm thinking "great, now I don't need a steering wheel puller" but at the same time I'm wondering is it normal for the steering wheel to WANT to come off that bad?

My plan is to replace the steering wheel, the original one has cracks in it, see if that helps with the clicking.

 

Sorry, but Replacing the wheel won't do you a damn bit of good with the clicking problem. And without power steering, I hope you have strong arms if you go to a smaller wheel.

The steering wheel can come off that easily sometimes. Sometimes not. Don't worry about it coming off easy. You got lucky.

 

Thanks for the input. I plan to dig further down the top of the column as that seems to be where the click generates from.

I'm also looking into one of the larger wheels to replace my current one so while it may not be the cause of the click, having a wheel that isn't cracked in multiple places will make me feel better.

Good to know I shouldn't be concerned about the wheel being eager to be removed.

Hopefully I'll know more by tomorrow.