Steering Box/Column Replacement

[hkestes41]

I have questions for those of you that have replaced your P15 steering box/column. My current box is very lose and I have a replacement that I bought from Nighthawk months ago and am now ready to do the swap.

As I understand it the box and column need to come out as a unit from under the car.

1) How high do I have to get the front of the car off the ground to be able to get the column out? Would a set of portable ramps be enough?

2) Is it best to remove just the inner column or to remove the inner column and outer tube together as a unit?

3) Any tips or things you learned from doing your swap that I should be aware of before starting?

Thanks,

Kirk

[claybill]

hi....i just replaced my nner column...i have qa street rod and i had to clear the exhaut manifold from the v8. my info will likely not help at all...but info is info..!

i found now on 3 occasions that owners will cut the inner rod, (which by the way is a hair bigger than 3/4.) to remove it.@^&*%$$........

IF YOU LOOSEN THE SEERING WHEEL/horn assembly the inner rod should slide out..use a wooden drift.! as there is nothing holding it in except a few greased leather? bushings as locaters.....but ..do you have room to pull it thru the bottom...???? dont know..

since my inner rod was cut 3in above the box...i simply used a 3/4 in universal joint coupler, as in hot rod apps. that also allowed for re-alignment

ease.

wont help you much...but info is info! carefulof the horn wire!

the box does come apart and the inner rod with spiral gear comes out....

bill

[David Strieb]

On my P10, it comes out through the passenger compartment with the floor boards and front seat removed.

[Jim Yergin]

On my P12, it helped to disconnect the column from the dash so that the whole assembly could lay down on the seat. That way you can withdraw the inner column in a more forward direction than downwards. Otherwise the car should really be on a lift to get enough room underneath to remove it.

Jim Yergin

[hkestes41]

Unfortunately, I can't remove my floors as a previous owner welded the removable section in. Like to slap him upside the head for that one.

The replacement box has the full inner column and outer tube. So may try to get the whole thing out at once.

[claybill]

if you unbolt the 'drop' that olds the column to the dash you have lots more wiggle room. however, maybe up on a lift you can disconnect somethng down under near steering arms and just pull it out from the bottom...???

bill