I'm in the process of tearing down the car and I'm trying to remove the steering column from the car. The problem is I can't get the steering shaft removed from the gearbox. I know the car had the gearbox replaced with a 67 model. Is there a trick to this? Are the 67 and 68 gearboxes different, the pictures in my manual for the 68 don't look like what is on the car. Basically, how do I get the shaft out of the gearbox to remove the column from the car? Thanks in advance guys.

Greg

 

I just upgraded my '67 coupe from manual to power steering. The kit included a steering box. The shaft was connected to the box. So, you're probably going to have to remove the steering box and shaft as a unit. In order to get the unit out, the motor will have to be out of the way. I wound up pulling my motor. After the motor is out of the way:

1. Remove the steering wheel.
2. Remove the two bolts that hold the steering column to the dash.
3. Remove the ball joint connected to the pitman arm.
4. Remove the 3 bolts that hold the steering box to the frame.
5. Remove the steering box, sliding the shaft out of the column.

P.S. The wires coming out of the column have a plug just a few inches after they come out of the column. Disconnect that plug. I didn't. Then I pushed and pulled the steering column, resulting in wires being ripped out of that plug.

 

I believe the shafts in 67 were the same as 64.5-66 set up and that means the shaft and gearbox comes out as one piece. You pull the steering wheel, and then unbolt the column from under the dash and fire wall. The sleeve around the shaft should then slide out. The gear box and connecting shaft can then be removed out the engine compartment. If the motor is still in the car it will be more difficult to get it out.

 

Sounds like I need to start looking for a 68 box and shaft. Is the flaming river unit worth the cost or should I look for a used factory unit?

Seems like the 67 box/shaft would be dangerous to run in a 68 with a colapsable column wouldn't it? One might get impaled with the 67 shaft.

 

I know its difficult to remove the box while the motor is still in, but is it impossible? I want to avoid having to do this if I can.

 

Check out www.chockostang.com if you want a rebuilt factory unit.

 

The steering box has to come out around the shock tower, so it will be angled toward the center of the engine bay. When you pull it out, there has to be enough room for the steering shaft to slide out of the column. The more room you have the better.

I believe someone on this forum said he was able to get his out by removing the motor mounts and lifting the motor. I've also heard of people trying this, then getting into a bind and trying to force/shove the new shaft/box back into place. They wound upbending the steeringshaft.

 

Can anyone say Sawzall!!! That's what I did (to the shaft, that is)- man, it was so easy!

 

Did you use Super Glue to reinstall?

 

thats how I got mine out too however I had to cut the shaft any way so that I could install the Unisteer R&P