steering column seal

[Ackattack]

I'm getting ready to install my new van tilt steering column. I have a new seal and retainer, but it won't fit over the automatic shift linkage (not the handle).

Any suggestions before I cut it up.

Thanks

[chevy_mike]

Soon, I will be in the same boat and wondered that too. My guess is you have to disassemble the bottom part to get it to fit. I have been looking at ways to do it without cutting but unless you take the levers off, I am not sure how it would work.

Hopefully someone will enlighten us with an easier way. I am not looking foward to disassembling the column.

[CJJ67]

This may not be the right way but I have a van tilt in my 67 stepside also. At the end of the steering column (the end that is in the engine compartment) is the lever (I think that's what it's called). Bend (gently) the lever up enough so that you can slide all the seals and other stuff over it, then bend it back. I used a small hammer to bend it. Again, it may be the wrong way to do it but it worked for me.

[mclairmo]

I would not bend that lever. The metal will weaken and become more brittle.

[Tx Firefighter]

I've bent a bunch of them. They bend back fine and never had one break yet.