57 Steering Box Removal

[John C.]

I am attempting to remove the steering box from my 57 with the body on.
Everything is disconnected and the Pitman arm is still on the box. I'm not sure how to get this out as it has to slide through the dash hole and the firewall. If I could find a magic puller to get the Pitman arm off I might be able to turn the box 180 deg. and slide it inward of the voltage regulator and up but it looks like a long shot. It might also be possible to remove the left engine mounts and radiator shrouding and pull it forward/inward and out with the Pitman arm attached. I know 58/62's are much simpler because the column drops down and is shorter. Has anybody sucessfully done this? Thanks for any help.
John

[James F.]

Re: 57 Steering Box Removal

John,
Forget about pulling the steering column (and box) through the firewall. Was never intended to be! The rad shroud will need to be removed, possibly the radiator as well but I'd see if I'd could skip removing that. Exhaust manifold must be removed. The column and box must come up past the voltage regulator and out the front. Makes it much easier if the steering wheel and cup are removed ;-) ! I can't remember whether I removed the pitman arm or not, I don't think I did. A local auto store should be able to rent you a puller should you decide it must remove it. Regards,

[James F.]

Re: 57 Steering Box Removal

John,
Forget about pulling the steering column (and box) through the firewall. Was never intended to be! The rad shroud will need to be removed, possibly the radiator as well but I'd see if I'd could skip removing that. Exhaust manifold must be removed. The column and box must come up past the voltage regulator and out the front. Makes it much easier if the steering wheel and cup are removed ;-) ! I can't remember whether I removed the pitman arm or not, I don't think I did. A local auto store should be able to rent you a puller should you decide it must remove it. Regards,

[John S.]

Re: 57 Steering Box Removal

Pittman arm does not have to be removed, and yes it must come out the front

[John S.]

Re: 57 Steering Box Removal

Pittman arm does not have to be removed, and yes it must come out the front