Hy ZB3, disconnect the horn wire at it's connection near the column, push the wire into the column [you can fish it back out later]. Two bolts near the top of the column secure it to the dash, the metal/rubber plate you described can be slid up and off while your pulling the column out the bottom of the truck. But first you must remove the pitman arm [the piece that connects the steering box to the steering linkage] and the four? bolts that secure the steering box to the frame. You should jack the truck up quite a bit in the front to make it easier to get the box out from under the truck. I hope that helps.
