changing steering column seals

[danman987123]

I just bought the new seal that goes on the firewall where the steering column passes through, and also the one for the dash. Since the whole is smaller than the rag joint, steering wheel, and the shift arm with the linkage to transmission. DO YOU HAVE TO TAKE THE ENTIRE COLUMN APART TO INSTALL THESE NEW SEALS OR WHAT? I TRIED TO FIGURE OUT MAYBE THE COLUMN COULD SEPERATE IN TWO, BUT CANT FIGURE IT OUT....ITS THE STOCK 68 COLUMN....ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED

[red71cheyenne]

The easiest way is to disconnect the shift linkage and the coupler above the rag joint. The coupler is where the steering wheel shaft is splined and slotted for the bolt that rides there. Pull the collar that holds the steering column up to the dash and then remove the bolts that hold the whole thing to the firewall. Slide the column out and then work the two old rubbers off. Getting the new ones on over the shift linkage takes some work, but it can be done. Just remember to put the one on for the dash first! Reassemble in the reverse order.

And yes, you can disassemble the entire column and make it easier to get the rubbers on, but its easier to just work them on with it still intact.

[danman987123]

ya i have the entire column out of the truck, but the little arm thats about 3'' long is in the way of me sliding the seal over. Maybe it can be done, im just afraid of trying to work it over the arm and it tears...lol then thats a bad day...