71 f100 steering help

[MyOleYellar]

71 f100 Ranger XLT 360 C6-AT PS PB.
I believe I need to replace the steering column coupler. (Connects steering column to gear box). Have been unable to locate a manual. Can anyone help me learn how to take this dude apart and reassemble?

Device appears to be missing at least one bolt. I can turn wheel a partial turn before it gets hard to turn. At this point, watching the coupler, you can see the steering column end slip till it reaches a pin. This is the point where it gets stiff. You push the wheel past the pin ( the coupler is somewhat bent up) and it slides past the pin.

any help or suggestions, scans, diagrams.... anything would be helpful...

Thanks,

David

[fordman]

i just did this today. to start you need a new one dont buy the one from the parts store they are junk and a waste of time. i did and it tore while i put it on.

1get a 12 point socket and remove this bolt http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... 230927from the steering coupler att he bottom of the colum under the hood.

2 remove collar from column and firewall bracket. you dont have to remove the bracket just the collar.

3 loosen bolts under steering column under dash two bolts. you may have to remove them completely i did. drop column down into your lap and pull real hard towards you.


4 that should or could remove the coupler from the box

5 remove the rubber part from the rest of the steel piece that fits on the box and column shaft.

6 replace rubber coupler and bolt it back to column.

7 have wife friend or dog push steering column back into place while you guide the coupler back onto the box. make sure the coupler is seated completely before you reinsert that bolt into the coupler. you dont want to damage it.
8 reattach steering column to dash and ring around the firewall bracket. you should then be finished.

[fordman]

i hope i didnt forget something. we are here to helpif you run into trouble or if i forgot something dumb. like the brake line bracket being in the way.

[MyOleYellar]

Thanks Fordman!

Truck is stranded in a relatives yard 40 mile out with no internet access, so I'm trying to gather as much info as possible before I go back out.
This is very helpful as it was dusk when I was looking at the thing and did not see the special head on that bolt.
would you happen to know the size on that 12pt socket I need?

[fordman]

7/16