Steering shaft replacement.

[derek7871]

I have to replace the steering shaft in my '68 F-100. This is the shaft that runs from the steering wheel down to the rag joint. Am I going to be able to do this without removing the column from the truck. I know I can loosen the column a get it to slide some, but I don't know how much. I really don't want to remove all of the shift linkages to get the column out. I could easily see them not getting put back together correctly. Also, if I have to pull the column I need to order some more parts to replace some wear items.

Can it be done?


Thanks,
Cooter

[fordman]

no. unless you remove the steering box which is much harder to do. and then you still might not be able to clear the engine crossmember when you pull the shaft out of the bottom.

[FORDification]

I agree. You do need to remove the column, since the shaft slides out the bottom. However, the shaft slides through the center of the shift tube and there's nothing attaching the shift tube and steering shaft, so you won't be disturbing any of the shifter linkage. Just remove the steering wheel, remove the column assembly and then slide the old shaft out the bottom. Slide the new shaft in and reinstall the column and wheel. Just take a few reference pics beforehand (or jot down notes as required) so you won't forget to get it back together. It's not hard at all...seriously.

[derek7871]

OK, so I've got the steering column ready to come out but I can't see how I'm going to get it out without disconnecting the shifter linkages somewhere. Again this is a 3 speed column shift, manual steering. I've got the steering wheel off, the rag joint off, turn signals disconnected, and the column loose enough so it can slide in toward the cab. So what about the shifter linkages? What do I need to do to the shifter linkages to get the column out so I can change the steering shaft?

Thanks,
Cooter

[fordman]

take a good sized prying type of screwdriver and place it between the linkage and the shift arm and pry them apart. it isnt easy but it can be done.

[derek7871]

I enden up pulling the little c-clamps off of the shifter linkage so the rod pulled out of the bushing onthe arm. Hopefully the column will come out now.

[fordman]

good idea.

[derek7871]

I finally got the steering shaft replaced. It's one of those jobs that is sort of difficult the first time, but if I had to do it again it would be lot easier. Thanks for all the replies that helped along the way.

Cooter