steering coupler
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 72
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From: nw PA
steering coupler
I need to install a "steering column shaft lower bushing" becuause the old one is worn out. My question is how do I get the coupler that attaches to the rag joint off? The shaft looks splined so do I just use a gear puller to get it off so i can slide my bushing past it then put it back on? thanks
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 72
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From: nw PA
It is a 76 f-100 2wd, and It looks like it is pressed on to a splined shaft. So it should just slide off? Sounds like maybe a little pb blaster and a puller and i should have it. thanks
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 828
Likes: 3
From: Baltimore
You need to do more than just loosen the clamp bolt on the steeringbox input shaft. You need to remove the bolt from the clamp. The bolt passes through a depression in the steeringbox input shaft and until you completely remove the bolt, the clamp will not slip of of the input shaft.
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 72
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From: nw PA
I need to get the coupler off the shaft from the steering column that the steering wheel is attached to so that i can slide the plastic bushing into the bottom of the steering column. Does it even come off?
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,043
Likes: 4
Yes, it does come off. A puller shouldn't be required. Is the column in the truck? I can't remember if the column end just clamps on or if that end must have the bolt removed. I do remember it wasn't hard at all.
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 72
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From: nw PA
The column is in the truck, but everything else is out of the way. I don't see a bolt, and it does not come right off that is what had me wondering if it even came off, or if I had to do something else. I am sorry to be a pain, but I just need to replace that little bushing. I am in the process of completely redoing this truck and it is worn out.
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Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
Once you remove the bolt and slide the coupler off you can pull the steering column assy, a few more bolts under the dash and at the firewall, shift linkage if equipped, and some electrical connections etc, and rebuild it. Check your service manual for the process. It is much easier to work on the column out of the truck.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 828
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From: Baltimore
I sounds like you are trying to replace the bushing at the bottom of the steering column. To do that, you will need to remove the steering shaft that runs through the steering column. This needs to be done because there is a flange welded to the bottom of that shaft. The flange connects to the steering coupler and the flange is way too large to fit through the lower steering column bushing.
You need to remove the steering column from the truck to do this job.
You need to remove the steering column from the truck to do this job.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,192
Likes: 1
From: lino lakes, mn
pull the steering wheel off before you pull the column the pull the column remove the turn signal switch just pull it up enough to clear the shaft tip it off to side the you'll see a retaining ring use a pointed awl or dentist type pick to pop this off the the sector shaft should just drop out the bottom of the columnm my experience with these is that the bearings at the top and bottom fall apart its a cheap little ball bearing I was lucky enough to have a few columns around to steal parts out of I haven't tried to by new bearings and could not find a part number on the old ones hope you have better luck and if /when you find the bearing post the part number thanks
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: nw PA
I pulled the column today. I had to pull the column to replace the bushing but the upper bearing and sleeve needs to be replaced so I will have to get that ordered next. According to my catalogs it looks like it should be the same part for my 76 as the 79 for the upper bearing and the sleeve. Oh well I will get them ordered and see what happens. Thanks for all your help. I need to get some pictures for my gallery. I want the old girl to drive like she did when new.
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
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See, it was worth pulling the column to rebuild it! 
Remember, These are old school technology vehicles. They are put together with bolts so most everything can be taken apart. So remember to take things apart it's "just bolts"... Remember to look in other Ford family vehicles also for parts. There are a lot of crossovers back in the old days.
Remember, These are old school technology vehicles. They are put together with bolts so most everything can be taken apart. So remember to take things apart it's "just bolts"... Remember to look in other Ford family vehicles also for parts. There are a lot of crossovers back in the old days.