The column is two piece, an outer mast jacket, and the actual steering shaft. The jacket is held on the steering box with a clamp. Neither will come out while the gear box is bolted to the frame. Removing the pitman arm and dropping the box out the bottom of the frame is the only way to get it out of your way. The steering shaft only comes out through the gear box, the jacket tube will slide off the shaft and gear box, but only after removal from the truck.

Joe