Last part holding the '73 column together
 

I have to disassemble my steering column to shorten it - an unintended consequence of installing a rack and pinion- Anyway I have it all apart except this one last piece that is like a brain teaser puzzle.

It called a "plate lock" in the diagrams and I removed a lock ring retainer and it is loose and will wiggle around but I can't for the life of me figure out how to slide, spin, whatever to get it off.

anybody have a hint?

Re: Last part holding the '73 column together
 

Welcome to the site. Here ya go on tearing a column apart: http://www.elcaminocentral.com/showthread.php?t=27192

I need to do the same. My tilt steering is loose.

Re: Last part holding the '73 column together
 

Auto Zone the tool that helps you pull the plate off.

It screws onto the shaft, and presses the plate down. Then you pry at the lock ring.

Lastly do not look at square body C10's for diagrams your 73's column is like the 67-72 columns. I had the same issue on my early build 74 trying to pull the switch lock out.

Re: Last part holding the '73 column together
 

That elcaminocentral post is very good but he stops at tightening up the 4 screws on the support assembly and then puts it all back together. I need to go a few steps further and get the shift tube out.

Re: Last part holding the '73 column together
 

I have the lock ring off- the last remaining plate is like a puzzle piece and interlocks in some way with the shift tube . . .

oh and you're right I will move this to the 67-72 board

Re: Last part holding the '73 column together
 

Very helpful document I found this morning and read thru. It's a walkthru of rebuilding a mid 80's column but the older ones are similar.

http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/w...ck_Rebuild.pdf

Re: Last part holding the '73 column together
 

WOW!!!!!!!

That is an amazing document! Thank you - I'll go through that and see if it clarifies it.