How to remove front clip?

[shifty]

Originally Posted by 69 longhorn

2nd that.....I unclip the harness,& pull 2 pins, then it takes 2 stout, or 3 old guys to lift that (3/4 of that) front clip off!

Here's my next question: What's the easiest way to get this bastard back on without denting and scraping everything up? Should I take the tires off and put it on jackstands? Should I pull the steering column?

[69 longhorn]

Originally Posted by shifty

Here's my next question: What's the easiest way to get this bastard back on without denting and scraping everything up? Should I take the tires off and put it on jackstands? Should I pull the steering column?

Yes, i would remove the front tires & the lower shaft(leave the column in place tho). if you enlist a few stout guys, it shouldnt be too bad. you might also remove the hood (if you havent already). it looks like a cool project....best of luck,69L

[CPNE]

Originally Posted by 69 longhorn

Yes, i would remove the front tires & the lower shaft(leave the column in place tho). if you enlist a few stout guys, it shouldnt be too bad. you might also remove the hood (if you havent already). it looks like a cool project....best of luck,69L

Except it's a 68, no detachable lower shaft!

[shifty]

Originally Posted by CPNE

Except it's a 68, no detachable lower shaft!

What he said ^^^



That's why I'm saying I would remove the whole shaft.

Maybe if i bust out the rivet in the middle of the shaft (gotta do it anyways to re-fit the new power steering box) I can shrink it down (telescope it?) and slide in?

Open to suggestions if anyone has one. I'm realizing what a pain in the ass it will be to get back in now

heh

[CPNE]

Originally Posted by shifty

Maybe if i bust out the rivet in the middle of the shaft (gotta do it anyways to re-fit the new power steering box) I can shrink it down (telescope it?) and slide in?

No you don't. The stock truck PS unit is the same length as the manual unit. Trust me on this

Originally Posted by shifty

Open to suggestions if anyone has one. I'm realizing what a pain in the ass it will be to get back in now

Not sure if you've seen any of my trucks, but I don't worry about paint. However since you do, why not:
1. detach the column shaft from the steering box at the rag joint
2. free up column on inside of cab so that the wheel can be lowered to the seat. This involves a few brackets on each side of the firewall.

This should allow enough freedom of movement to swing the steering column shaft towards the engine and gain the needed clearance WITHOUT removing the column altogether.

[shifty]

Originally Posted by CPNE

No you don't. The stock truck PS unit is the same length as the manual unit. Trust me on this

No questions.

Originally Posted by CPNE

1. detach the column shaft from the steering box at the rag joint
2. free up column on inside of cab so that the wheel can be lowered to the seat. This involves a few brackets on each side of the firewall.

This should allow enough freedom of movement to swing the steering column shaft towards the engine and gain the needed clearance WITHOUT removing the column altogether.

I'd like to push my column in towards the dash so it's not sitting so far out. Should I bustthe rivet out and readjust anyway? Is there any re-welding of tabs involved to do this? It's a 3-on-tree column. Just curious.

Thanks for the pointers.

[69 longhorn]

Originally Posted by CPNE

Except it's a 68, no detachable lower shaft!

Oops, my bad! I wasnt paying attention to the yr! I think I would be tempted to drop the inner fender on the D side to help with reassembly. 69L