please help us. my dad and i are trying to restore great grandpa's 1959 ford truck. we have found a cab in alot better shape then the one we have. the problem is we cannot figure out how to disconnect the steering column from the gearbox on the frame. it is a straight shift on the column. we are just average people with general mechanical skills. would appreciate any help or ideas.

 

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I have been hoping someone would come along and give us both a better idea.

But on mine I took the steering box loose from the frame, unbolted the floor patch and a couple of bolts holding the shaft to the dash, disconnected the horn and turn signals, and lifted the entire assembly out through the cab.

there should be an easier way, but I was cleaning off the frame anyway.

 

thanks ***** b, that's what i think i am going to do. we are planning to clean and paint the frame too so it should not be too much more trouble.

 

Welcome to the 1948-1960 Forum. There are a lot of very helpful and great folks on the board. Ask any and all question you may have and we'll try to get you the answers.

With respect to the steering, the column consists of an outer tube and an inner shaft. The shaft is a one-piece affair with the worm gear at the bottom pressed on. The worm gear resides inside the steering gearbox and will only go out the bottom. Remove the steering gearbox from the frame and disconnect the shift linkage and sector shaft (pitman) arm. From there you have two choices - take the steering column assembly out the top, or out the bottom of the cab.

Don't kick yourself - there isn't an easier way.

 

I ended up removing the staring wheel assy. taking off the floor plate. Then I removed the left front wheel, the inner fender well and the clutch slave cylinder to pull it all throught te bottom and over the frame rail.