Steering Column removal questions

Floorguy · Post by **Floorguy** » Wed Sep 27, 2006 10:29 pm

I've got a 71' 2wd D-100 with an automatic tranny column.

What I'm trying to do is remove the inner shifting tube from the actual column housing. I've got the shaft out, the turn signal and top portion off. My problem is in removing the actual inner tube itself. It seems to be attached at the top somehow with the shifting handle, and the bottom has the linkage arm permanently attached. Anyone know how?

I'm doing this so I can modify/shorten it all for the Ferd power steering (ProtoTech) kit. I've got the box in, now the column needs work. It looks harder than it sounded...

Thanks,

Sean

JimE · Post by **JimE** » Thu Sep 28, 2006 4:52 pm

I remember playing with a sloppy column after I got Howard and replaced the steering gear, but never could get it a part myself. I finally found 1 in a Tucson wrecking yard. Jim

Floorguy · Post by **Floorguy** » Thu Sep 28, 2006 8:42 pm

I can't believe no one out there has any helpful input on this.

I can't be the only that has tried this, can I?

JimE · Post by **JimE** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 2:10 am

Sean,
Butch Romig has the Prototech in 1 of his trucks, I don't know if its an auto or not or on the column. Are you feeling like a guinea pig yet?

I think Bill55AZ had an auto column offered up for cheap a while back it may be gone at 20., I thought about it but don't have any autos. He is up in Utah until mid October. I say you disect and document your progress via digital camera.

Post by **cowboy** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 6:27 am

Both my son & I tried to take one apart, but sound's like we got about as far as you , & time ran out & we have not found any more to get back to it , it's still on the bench wating for us to return , If you keep at your's please do as jim ask & take the pic's & notes

Butch Romig · Post by **Butch Romig** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 8:37 am

my truck is a 4 spd,but even an auto column will come apart,just study it closely,seems like the actual shift tube is sorta wedged in ,cant rewmember for sure,its been a while
butch

Floorguy · Post by **Floorguy** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 8:42 pm

Thanks Guys. I'll keep the progress posted.

And yes, I do feel like a guinea pig...

Floorguy · Post by **Floorguy** » Thu Oct 05, 2006 9:46 pm

I finally figured the darn thing out!

The automatic shift tube is sort of pressed in to the top shifter housing, and held in place with a set screw. The screw is located inside the tube at the top. It is only accessible through a clever small hole on the shifting column, near where the shift handle goes in. Once it's removed, you have to work the tube out from the bottom, with a little WD-40 and some grunting of course. I did take pictures and will post them when I have time.

Now I can work on shortening & modifying it to fit the Ferd box.

I've got to say this though, this kit is NOT as easy to install as it says. The column is the tough part so far...