Pull driver dash...how to drop steering column?
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Joined: Nov 2009
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Pull driver dash...how to drop steering column?
Will, have the instrument panel loose, simple, like 7 philips screws. Then pulled two large bolts to drop the steering column. However, still not enough clearance to pull the dash out to access the driver dash speaker for replacement. How do I drop it a few more inches or get the instrument cluster out?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
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From: Fremont CA
Look down at the base of the column by the firewall, there are 2 5/16 nuts down there that hold the plate through the firewall. Lossen the 2 nuts (you don't have to remove them just back them off) and the column should drop down enough for you. Be careful of wiring, vent cable and vacuum lines when retightening the column after the work is done.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,993
Likes: 9
From: Gig Harbor WA
Look down at the base of the column by the firewall, there are 2 5/16 nuts down there that hold the plate through the firewall. Lossen the 2 nuts (you don't have to remove them just back them off) and the column should drop down enough for you. Be careful of wiring, vent cable and vacuum lines when retightening the column after the work is done.
I may be wrong on this, but I recall reading one of Jim Shea's papers regarding this very question. You must support the column, and not let it hang, attached only at the rag joint.
Rob
Last edited by MakoShark72; Dec 6, 2009 at 10:50 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,993
Likes: 9
From: Gig Harbor WA
This is cut and copied from Jim's paper on dropping the steering column...
"Instructions for Dropping and Removing the Column
First of all, NEVER just remove the two vertical screws that hold the steering column up into the dash and let the column “hang” by the attachments at the flexible coupling and the two fasteners coming through the dash panel. Letting the column “hang” in that manner puts very high loads on the steering column lower bearing and can cause it to fail"
Rob
Last edited by MakoShark72; Dec 6, 2009 at 02:36 AM.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
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From: eastern NC
What I do to keep the column from hanging is use at least one long bolt in place of the two short ones that hold the column to the dash support. In this manner the column is lowered, but isn't just hanging. Just screw the long bolt (3 to 4 inches) in enough to support the column while you work on the dash.
Good luck... GUSTO
Good luck... GUSTO
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,485
Likes: 7
From: Peekskill NY
What I do to keep the column from hanging is use at least one long bolt in place of the two short ones that hold the column to the dash support. In this manner the column is lowered, but isn't just hanging. Just screw the long bolt (3 to 4 inches) in enough to support the column while you work on the dash.
Good luck... GUSTO
Good luck... GUSTO
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,993
Likes: 9
From: Gig Harbor WA
