[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Thanks HO455.................

#1: My confusion is the 1971 Service Manual reads "remove intermediate shaft flange to flexible coupling bolts". Seems to imply you remove the rag joint bolts, and "remove" bolts may not be necessary. Additionally, the image above reads "lower steering shaft"................This is why I'm confused. Personally, I'd guess lower shaft, but I can see your point. Can anyone confirm?


#2, Good to know, but here's another pickle. The book reads "lower and then withdraw the column assembly, rotating so the shift levers clear the toe pan opening".......What the shift levers? They speaking in manual trans? The only shift levers I know change gears at the the top and the other side of the firewall, so they're clear already Anyone?

#3: Can anyone confirm this part is a pot joint?

#4: Adjusting clamp. You mean one of the screws as opposed bolts? I believe all five (3 @ the rear) are short fine thread screws. #4 in the manual under STEERING COLUMN also reads screws, though they call this "column clamp screws".

#5: Clamp. Ah I see now. "Sometimes" my eyes fail me. I need to habit glasses when working on this stuff.

#6: Well, for lack of better term it's a "firewall steering column seal cover".

#7: Anyone know what the plate is called? In the meantime, I'll check the assembly manual for brakes, it might be there. Didn't "see" it under column.

Other: The manual under STEERING COLUMN (#8) reads, "remove cap screws from column support bracket at the dash panel". Perhaps that plate in #7 is the column support bracket, or are these instructions for the two screws that bolt the clamp to the plate in #7?


Any brief descriptions how to tear this down from here appreciated. I can just dive in, but nothing like doing it in the right order the first time. This is a complete tear down, so everything needs to come off anyway.