It sounds like twister went the hard way, I have an early 67 coupe and just went thru all this. I replaced mine with a new flaming river system and I too cut the old out with a sawzall because I couldnt figure it out until I took it apart. The outside column is "pressed" onto a rubber bushing that is at the base of the shaft where it goes into the box. if you remove the clamp that holds the column to the dash (of course after you remove the steering wheel and directional assembly) and twist the outer column you will be able to pull it thru the rubber seal at the firewall and into the car. this will leave the shaft exposed, the shaft is all one piece with the box. seperate your linkage from the steering box , unbolt the box and with the car jacked up (and safely blocked!) the box and shaft will slide out from under. GOOD LUCK!!