newbie needs a hand from the ol timers

[B17CRX]

Ok guys I am working on my 1955 3100 second series truck and I need to remove the steering column. How do you remove the column from the steering box? Is this a pressed in part or am I missing something here?

-Joel

[dwcsr]

Its pressed into the box. The steering shaft is as long as the column.

Whats the reason for doing this?

[B17CRX]

So there is no way to retain the stock style box and swap in a tilt column? I want to keep the truck with as much of the 50's technology as possible but the angle and height of the steering wheel drives me nuts.

-Joel

[BigJackDaddy]

That is correct. The steering box and shaft are a single unit. Unbelievable, I know, but that's the reason the hole in your floor for the column is so large. In more modern trucks the column gets put in after the cab is seated on the frame... not true back when these trucks were built.

There's no easy way that I know of, short of cutting the stock column a few inches from the box and securing a fitting that matches the base of the tilt column you plan to install. The Street Rod crowd does this sort of stuff. I haven't personally done it and all applicable steering box safety disclaimers apply.

[MrSinister]

This is what you would use, http://rbsauto.com/product.asp?Product_id=243248

[Bills_49]

took about 20 min. with a sawzaw =), some hard steel!

[1-ton of fun]

use an abrasive cut off wheel next time

[dwcsr]

Keep in mind that the reason the steering wheel is so big is that it takes that kind of leverage to turn the truck.

If you do a tilt and a small wheel you better start working out at the gym.