Remove steering column or coupler

[66 Sat]

Hi I'm removing my k-frame, engine, and trans and need to disconnect the steering from the box. Is it easier to remove the steering column from the coupler or remove the coupler from the steering box? Thanks

 

[kiwigtx]

I would remove the column from the coupler - less likely to risk seal damage to the steering box from beating the roll pin out.

 

[65hemi]

I find it easier to tap out the roll pin.

 

[mmissile]

+1. Never had a problem removing the roll-pin.

 

[boneheadsGeTeX]

I do everything the hard way.

 

[the mississippi madman]

I do everything the hard way.

View attachment 337091

 

[66 Sat]

Hmmm, I might try the roll pin first, but it doesn't even look like it's in there, unless it's very thin walled and tight to the outside of the hole. Should the roll pin be clearly visible? If it's not there or once it's out, is there enough movement in the column to be able to slide it out of the coupler or would I need to loosen the bolts holding in the column anyway?

 

[65hemi]

The hole for the roll pin should be obvious on the coupling. Maybe it is currently hidden under grime. With the wheels pointing straight ahead, the hole should be pointing up and on the fender side of the couple (i.e. not on the engine side). Use a small drift or punch and tap it down. You will need to loosen and pull back the steering column to get the coupling off of the steering box. You will note that the steering box has a master spline so the coupling only goes on one way. You can get a kit/parts (e.g. MegaParts) to rebuild the coupling while it is off.

 

[66 Sat]

I can see the hole in the coupler, what I meant was I'm not sure if the roll pin is in the hole, or if it's been removed in the past and not replaced. If I loosen the column and it slides off then I guess it's not there!

 

[moparbud66]

To make it easier on you, do yourself a favor and take out the column completely. It's going to have to be out of the way anyway, if not now, at least upon reinstallation of the K frame. Pop the cap off the coupler and slide the column out. Chances are good that it will need new grease and a seal kit (cheap) too.

 

[66 Sat]

To make it easier on you, do yourself a favor and take out the column completely. It's going to have to be out of the way anyway, if not now, at least upon reinstallation of the K frame. Pop the cap off the coupler and slide the column out. Chances are good that it will need new grease and a seal kit (cheap) too.

Thanks for all the advice fellas, I think I will follow this, I hadn't thought of it being in the way when re-installing the k-frame. Another part to remove - the shed's getting full of them, and not much going back on...

 

[Pistol Pete]

To make it easier on you, do yourself a favor and take out the column completely. It's going to have to be out of the way anyway, if not now, at least upon reinstallation of the K frame. Pop the cap off the coupler and slide the column out. Chances are good that it will need new grease and a seal kit (cheap) too.

x2
You can sometimes get the roll pin out easy enough, but you can always get the cap off easy.

 

[Darthomas]

Never had trouble with these roll pins...,others, yes. Not on Mopars.