I felt guilty highjacking another man's thread, so here I am. I read the outstanding how-to on taking a 3 on the tree apart once it is out of the truck, but getting it out is my question. I have the thrust washers and spacer to install but can someone tell me if it is possible (and or practical) to remove the column down to the steering box without having to remove the whole column and box as one piece? Even if I screw it up and have to get Carolina Classics to rebuild what I mess up, I want to try it myself first for the experience. I'm likely to rebuild the whole thing, but I want to start at the inexpensive parts and see the changes as they are replaced. I like understanding what a part does and doing it piece by piece is longer and harder, but more educational. I'm having trouble getting through neutral. 1st to reverse is fine. Once I get back to 2nd getting to 3rd is fine. It's just the neutral section that is a trick. From all I can find the thrust washers may fix that. If I'm wrong then a point in the right direction is certainly appreciated.

 

What year do you have ? I have a 1965 F100 2wdhich has a rag joint in the steering
column which would suggest that it would be possible to disassemble this without disturbing the steering box, drag link, pitman arm etc. Photo attached.

 

OP has a 1964. 1961/64: The steering shaft goes directly into the steering box.

To remove the column, the Pitman Arm is disconnected from the sector shaft, then the column and the gearbox is removed as a one piece assembly.

 

You don"t have to remove the steering gear. Disconnect your shift linkeage under the hood. Disconnect the steering shaft from the steering gear. Remove the steering shaft column pinch bolt and bracket under the hood also remove the three bolts holding the steering column bracket under the hood.Remove the plug under the dash for all your turnsignal switch. Remove the two bolts holding your steering column to the dash.Now should be able to remove everything out as an assembly from the inside of the truck. Then you can remove what ever you want to replace. I would replace both shift arms and thrust washer at the minimum

Good Luck
Sonny K.

I was told by my older brother that you can replace the shift tube and shifter arms
and thrust washers without removing the column from the truck. I have never done
it that way

 

OP has a 1964. 1961/64: The steering shaft goes directly into the gearbox.

Because of this, the Pitman Arm is disconnected from the sector shaft, then the column and gearbox is removed as a one piece assembly.

Beginning 1965 F100/250 2WD: The steering coupler (rag joint) connects the steering shaft w/flange to the input shaft of the gearbox.

 

Thank you all for your help thus far. So after I disconnect the steering box and remove the entire assembly through the cab, along with removing everything from the steering wheel to the the shift collar and turn signal wires/assembly, how does the shift tube and column separate from the steering shaft and box? The shift tube has to pull up to release the shifter arms, washers and spacers, right? Any tricks or details I need to specifically need to be warned of? I plan to go slow and take pictures as I go. I haven't seen any detailed posts anywhere on the internet about this process. Hopefully I won't make too many mistakes documenting my experience. If I do at least others can learn from it.

 

I would be real tempted to have the column and gear sent off, rebuilt and or replaced. Likely the tube at the shifter is worn/wallowed. 61-64 columns are orphan years....some stuff is only available NOS....

The gear likely needs rebuilt. Many a time a poor handling truck is blamed on king pins when it's a worn gear as well.

Try Flashback F100s he may have a good unit. He may can tell you where or maybe can rebuild the column you have. Carolina Classics may can help as well.

As far as separating the tube from the gear. It seems like it's a friction fit Sealed with a rubber grommet. You can count on it being rusted on. It"s kind of a delicate part too.
Consult the Shop Manual for instruction.

 

Thanks for the information F-one. I'm going to try and get get it apart in few weeks. In the mean time I scraped all the road grime, grease, and oil off and it will actually go through the gears better. Took it up the road today and got through the gears five times and never hung it once. I'm starting to feel it better now. I appreciate all the help from everyone!