steering column removal
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2013
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From: Independence
steering column removal
Hey guys, I got my truck running good at least i can live with it anyway! My new problem is my column is wore out. It has been for awhile. I can pretty much figure out how to remove it from the inside of the truck, but how do you get it removed from under the hood? Its a 88 with column shift and a AOD tranny! Any help on this is appreciated!!!! As always
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,579
Likes: 5,611
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
chock the wheels front and back. remove the headlight switch ****, and wiper ****.
remove the lower dash panels. disconnect the shift indicator from the column. disconnect the 6 or 8 screws from the firewall. go under the truck and disconnect the shift linkage from the column. disconnect the steering shaft from the steering box. unhook the electrical connections from the column. unbolt the 4 bolts holding the column from the dash.
pull the column out of the truck.
it helps to have two people to pull the column out, and you need two people to put it back in.
remove the lower dash panels. disconnect the shift indicator from the column. disconnect the 6 or 8 screws from the firewall. go under the truck and disconnect the shift linkage from the column. disconnect the steering shaft from the steering box. unhook the electrical connections from the column. unbolt the 4 bolts holding the column from the dash.
pull the column out of the truck.
it helps to have two people to pull the column out, and you need two people to put it back in.
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Elder User
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From: Independence
Do i unbolt it near the rag joint? Or above that u joint just outside the firewall? Thanks again guys! Oh by the way i finally have a repair manual coming, should be here today! Does it explain how to remove the column? Thanks again guys!!!!
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Elder User
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From: Independence
If its the one i think your talking about it should be the bolt just out side the firewall i will post a pic of the one i think it is Thanks!
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Elder User
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From: Independence
Is this the one u guys are speaking of? And do i disconnect the shift linkage just to the left of it or from underneath the truck? Thanks guys, for the help!!!!
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i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,579
Likes: 5,611
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
disconnect the shift linkage there.
i do not pull that bolt, i pull the one down at the rag joint because 99% of the time the sliding connection between that universal and the rag joint is where the problem is on the columns i replace.
i do not pull that bolt, i pull the one down at the rag joint because 99% of the time the sliding connection between that universal and the rag joint is where the problem is on the columns i replace.
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2013
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From: Independence
Unfortunately i do not have a new steering shaft nor can i afford right now... My replacement column was taken off at that bolt. So i will have to replace it there at least for now. I guess!
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,579
Likes: 5,611
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
between that bolt and the rag joint, is the "upper column," and "lower column"
there is a slip joint between the upper and lower.
there is a telfon bushing between them held in place by a spring steel clip. when the clip fails, the bushing slides either up into the upper column, or out down to the rag joint, resulting in about 1/8 turn play in the shaft, which translates into about 1/4 turn play at the steering wheel.
there is a slip joint between the upper and lower.
there is a telfon bushing between them held in place by a spring steel clip. when the clip fails, the bushing slides either up into the upper column, or out down to the rag joint, resulting in about 1/8 turn play in the shaft, which translates into about 1/4 turn play at the steering wheel.
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Elder User
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From: Independence
So it must be under the splash guard then by the gearbox then, yes? But im not 100% sure what your speaking of? Im sure it probably needs replacement! I was replacing the column originally, because the steering wheel was moving up and down, etc. also i have to hold up on the wheel to get the truck to start because I guess the actuator rod is not going, far enough to engage the ignition switch to start the truck! Anymore advice brother? Thanks again!!!
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Elder User
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From: Independence
between that bolt and the rag joint, is the "upper column," and "lower column"
there is a slip joint between the upper and lower.
there is a telfon bushing between them held in place by a spring steel clip. when the clip fails, the bushing slides either up into the upper column, or out down to the rag joint, resulting in about 1/8 turn play in the shaft, which translates into about 1/4 turn play at the steering wheel.
there is a slip joint between the upper and lower.
there is a telfon bushing between them held in place by a spring steel clip. when the clip fails, the bushing slides either up into the upper column, or out down to the rag joint, resulting in about 1/8 turn play in the shaft, which translates into about 1/4 turn play at the steering wheel.
Is this the bolt your talking about taking loose? And what needs to be replaced right there? I hope its not the steering shaft with the u joints in it because there kinda pricey. Lol I would have to wait on that! Unfortunately! I would just have to fix that later i guess? Thanks
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,579
Likes: 5,611
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
yes, that is the one. between that bolt and the one near the firewall there is the slip joint. if the bushing is missing you will know it.
and you can not replace it, it is no longer available. when it was available for purchase new, it was over $400. you could not buy parts to repair it, you had to replace the complete column.
and you can not replace it, it is no longer available. when it was available for purchase new, it was over $400. you could not buy parts to repair it, you had to replace the complete column.
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Elder User
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From: Independence
yes, that is the one. between that bolt and the one near the firewall there is the slip joint. if the bushing is missing you will know it.
and you can not replace it, it is no longer available. when it was available for purchase new, it was over $400. you could not buy parts to repair it, you had to replace the complete column.
and you can not replace it, it is no longer available. when it was available for purchase new, it was over $400. you could not buy parts to repair it, you had to replace the complete column.