521 Steering Column

[jeckle4043]

I'm trying to take my body off the frame to paint the frame.  What is the best/easiest way to remove the steering column?

 

thanks,

B

[K_trip]

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[datzenmike]

Raise the front end or do over a pit and drop out the front.

 

I wasn't successful so a slid the cab up and back off the column.

[jeckle4043]

Thanks for the responses!  I'll see what my dad thinks we should try. :)  I'll let ya know if we are successful!

[wayno]

I always remove the 521 column over the top of the radiator core support, but you have to be fast.

Remove everything from the column inside the cab and disconnect from the bottom of the dash, remove the outer tie rod, and center link from the pitman arm, then unbolt the gear from the frame.

Make sure that all wires/hoses/horns/ect. are not in the way directly above the gear, put some duct tape over the end of the steering column, cover the bench seat with heavy plastic, or better yet remove it, as when you lift the steering gear over the radiator core support, gear oil will travel down the column, and if your not fast it will leak out onto your seat, there is also another hole half way up that oil can also leak out of.

It's always better to have 2 people, so that the seat doesn't get damaged, I cannot actually remember if I have done this with the seat in the truck, but as lazy as I am, it's likely I didn't remove the seat.

[socaldatsun]

what wayno said. ive removed the columb with my bucket seats but not with a bench. when removing the tie rods/center link. hit the end of the arm to pop them off if they dont come off. every arm has a sweet spot where they just pop offif you hit it correctly

[mklotz70]

I've always taken them out over the radiator.  If I remember right, it will not go under the core support because of the motor mount and cross member.  I've always had to take the seat out too.

[K_trip]

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[jeckle4043]

We are trying...thanks for this info it is very helpful