61 Steering Column Removal

[M W.]

I am needing to remove my steering column from my 61 and was wondering how difficult it is to remove the pitman arm and then the rest. Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks

[Ted L.]

Re: 61 Steering Column Removal

Craig,

Remove hood, remove left exhaust manifold, remove pitman arm (may or may not be difficult, a U-shaped puller would help), three thru the frame bolts, firewall seals, under dash clamp (which I think shares a bolt with the air vent lever), steering wheel, and wiring (horn and turn signal). I've heard it said that removing the hood isn't necessary but I don't believe it. Good luck.

Ted #32350

[Ted L.]

Re: 61 Steering Column Removal

Craig,

Remove hood, remove left exhaust manifold, remove pitman arm (may or may not be difficult, a U-shaped puller would help), three thru the frame bolts, firewall seals, under dash clamp (which I think shares a bolt with the air vent lever), steering wheel, and wiring (horn and turn signal). I've heard it said that removing the hood isn't necessary but I don't believe it. Good luck.

Ted #32350

[Harwyn Berens #36510]

Re: 61 Steering Column Removal

Pretty much as Ted describes except that it's not necessary to remove the left exhaust manifold. I removed the column from my '61 several weeks ago and although it's a little tight, its possible to get a puller on the arm, remove it and swivel the column out. Good luck!!!

[Harwyn Berens #36510]

Re: 61 Steering Column Removal

Pretty much as Ted describes except that it's not necessary to remove the left exhaust manifold. I removed the column from my '61 several weeks ago and although it's a little tight, its possible to get a puller on the arm, remove it and swivel the column out. Good luck!!!

[Phil Fischer]

Re: 61 Steering Column Removal

I removed my 61' column a few weeks ago. I did not need to remove the hood, but I could not get it out without taking off the left manifold. I left the pitman arm attached, and that might be why I was unable to get it out around the manifold. Good luck Phil

[Phil Fischer]

Re: 61 Steering Column Removal

I removed my 61' column a few weeks ago. I did not need to remove the hood, but I could not get it out without taking off the left manifold. I left the pitman arm attached, and that might be why I was unable to get it out around the manifold. Good luck Phil

[John M.]

Re: 61 Steering Column Removal

That is correct, if you remove the pitman arm and rotate the sector shaft up, you can remove the box without removing the manifold. The hood has to go however! Resist thetemptation to remove the pitman arm with a pickle fork as you will damage the sector shaft at the opposite end where the lash adjuster attaches! John

[John M.]

Re: 61 Steering Column Removal

That is correct, if you remove the pitman arm and rotate the sector shaft up, you can remove the box without removing the manifold. The hood has to go however! Resist thetemptation to remove the pitman arm with a pickle fork as you will damage the sector shaft at the opposite end where the lash adjuster attaches! John

[Bernie Schneider]

Re: 61 Steering Column Removal

Be careful during the removal process as steering box fluid will drain out onto your carpet when you raise the box end.
B

[Bernie Schneider]

Re: 61 Steering Column Removal

Be careful during the removal process as steering box fluid will drain out onto your carpet when you raise the box end.
B