Steering column removal

[Richard H.]

For total removal of my steering columm , does it come out into the cab or engine compartment. I'm refinishing my fire wall and it's got to go. I'm trying to avoid taking the inside apart since I just rebuilt it last winter..fiber optic and all.

[Putter]

comes out thru the cab.
You may find the steering wheel itself to be in the way if the seat is still there, but it will work.

[Richard H.]

Whew, thanks I had visions of taking the top apart , it was some work but indicator points to P it really is in park and L1 is really L1 with no slop.

[sneakysnake]

Yes it come out through the seating compartment.Just unbolt it from the gearbox, disconnect linkage, pull the bolts on the floor board and rubber seal, unhook wiring harness, take out the bolts under the dash and slide the whole thing out the drivers door.

[68gmsee]

I removed mine through the cab..

I've found it easier to remove the steering wheel first. Start disconnecting/disengaging everything from the engine compartment and inside the cab.

Also you should remove the steering column rubber boot for ease of removal. You may have to twist slightly to get the shift levers to go through.

While I had mine out, I went ahead and cleaned and lubed the shaft moving parts since the column shifter was sluggish. I also sprayed the rubber parts with rubber detailing spray to keep them from drying out-not sure what is the best anymore, since there many brands out there.