Thread: Steering box

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Hey Guys; on my 65 Ranchero how do I separate the box from the steering column.
I’ve got the linkage off and the bolts out of the frame.
I have to pull the column back to separate them, then what is there a clip or a bolt I am missing. Thanks Kurt

I'm just going to be able to give you some generalities on this one as I haven't seen one of these personally, but have torn apart a bunch of similar cars over the years.

Ford used a couple of different types of boxes. One had a rag joint at the bottom in front of the firewall, and you unbolted either the rag joint by removing a couple of bolts that go right through the rag joint itself, or you can take out the one bolt that pinches the joint to the steering shaft and pull it away from the spined ends.

The second box used no rag joint , but instead the steering shaft from the wheel to the box was one piece and was a part of the box. When this one was out of the car the box had about a 3-4 foot piece of the shaft as part of it. Sounds to me like that is what you have.

If so, first remove the steering wheel, and I think you will find a round clip that fits into a groove cut into the steering shaft. It is usually right up against the top of the outer steering column tube. If that is there a very small screwdriver will pop it out of the groove. Then you can either put the car up high enough so you can slide the box and attached shaft out of the outer tube and under the car. You can also unbolt the entire outer tube, get it out of the way, then work the box and shaft down out of the car.

I can't swear 100% this info is correct, but it should get you close enough to figure out how to get it out.

Don

Thanks Itoldyouso; There is no rag joint on mine, I think your right.
I started pulling bolts and non of them did anyting.
I'm glad the engine is out though, or I might be a little upset. HE! HE! HE!
I was gonna pull the column anyway so it's no big deal.
Thanks for your help, I'm just glad it was not something simple,
like pulling a clip. I didn't want to look like a total Idiot. Kurt

Ok, that is what you have then. Sometimes you can start feeding the box and attached shaft down out of the car if you have it jacked up, especially with the motor out. After you get it so far down you can start moving it forward. Taking the column out gives you a little more wiggle room.

Like I said, I can't swear to it, but I think there is that round ring around the top of the column right under where the steering wheel ends and it keeps the shaft from pulling down out of the column top bearing until it is removed.

Don

Thanks Itoldyouso;
It's out and done, I just pulled the the steering wheel off after droping the column.
After pulling the steering wheel, all there was is a spring under the steering wheel
and it slid right off. After droping the column I went to the engine compartment and
pulled on the steering box and the rod pulled right out of the column tube.
Thanks again Don. Kurt

Success!! Glad that worked out for you Kurt.


Don

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