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I’m working on fixing the steering on my 1976 F250 4x4. Originally had the ram assist steering box but now has a manual box. It still has the original lower steering shaft that I’m trying to remove. I have the end from the steering box removed but the end near the firewall isn’t budging. I’ve sprayed it with PB Blaster, took a propane torch to it as well as started using a sawzall.
im worried I’m getting to a point where I’m going to mess things up and have to buy more parts that I otherwise wouldn’t have had to. Any ideas on how to get the other side out? Hammers and pulling haven’t budged it either.
This photo was taken before I took the bolts out. I’m just using it as a reference as to which side and what I’m working with.
Those can be a real buggar. As mentioned use a chisel or large screwdriver in slit to spread the clamp. Depending what you have you may have to grind an appropriate width and angle on end of tool. Do not allow tool to go deep enough to contact the shaft. Soak soak soak with penetrating oil. Can’t really use heat as it will cook the lube out of sealed bearings unless a new joint is being used.
Even after spreading the joint mine it was still tight. I cut a notch in a 3/4” piece of oak and slide it between joint and end of column tube so I could pry on it a bit without damaging the column or plastic locator.
Leave the wedge tool in the joint while pulling or prying it off.
1. Remove pinch bolt ( I believe you did already)
2. Spray a (good amount) of PB blaster/Aero Khroil and even look for some "Mouse Milk" and or home made stuff like acetone & trans fluid.
3. Rotate the shaft around so you can access the split in the end and drive a short fat chisel in the gap.
4. Put the steering column plastic piece back in and use that as a pry point like with a tie rod fork.
If you can not get it.... take off the fire wall boot, and pull the in cab steering column with the steering shaft still connected. Then get to it.
1. Remove pinch bolt ( I believe you did already)
2. Spray a lubricious abort of PB blaster/Aero Khroil and even look for some "Mouse Milk" and or home made stuff like acetone & trans fluid.
3. Rotate the shaft around so you can access the split in the end and drive a short fat chisel in the gap.
4. Put the steering column plastic piece back in and use that as a pry point like with a tie rod fork.
If you can not get it.... take off the fire wall boot, and pull the in cab steering column with the steering shaft still connected. Then to to it.
What he said, and if the pinch point isnt spread your chasing your tail...fought with mine for a bit and then got that spread out and it fell right off ... DOH !
Thank you everyone for the help. I went out today and bought some chisels and was able to get the shaft off. It helps to have the right tools.
My new problem is that I seemed to have bought or received the wrong Borgeson steering shaft. The one I have is a bit too short (insert that’s what she said joke here). I’ll have to figure out which one is the right one.
I’m working on fixing the steering on my 1976 F250 4x4. Originally had the ram assist steering box (no such thing!) but now has a manual box.
ALL 1973/77 F250 4WD's (High Boys), whether they have Power Assist P/S or not, have the manual steering gear box.
With Power Assist P/S, the steering gear box has nothing to do with it.
2 P/S hoses, pressure and return, route from the pump to the control valve. 2 P/S hoses, pressure and return, route from the control valve to the hydraulic cylinder.
ALL 1973/77 F250 4WD's (High Boys), whether they have Power Assist P/S or not, have the manual steering gear box.
With Power Assist P/S, the steering gear box has nothing to do with it.
2 P/S hoses, pressure and return, route from the pump to the control valve. 2 P/S hoses, pressure and return, route from the control valve to the hydraulic cylinder.
No P/S hoses route to the steering gear box.
Good to know. Thank you.
I got everything installed yesterday. Thank you everyone here for the help. I had it in my head that the shaft was at it's max length and you would need to cut it for it to fit. So again, thank you everyone.
I bought the part that is linked above not realizing it was the wrong part for my truck. Its still sealed in the wrapper. Would it be OK to give it away to someone on this forum?
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