Well now Ive done it. I tore the steering column and box out of my COE and got her all stripped down and derusting. The inside goo looked like some nasty mustard... I cleaned all the teeth and parts and thankfully nothing was hurt from the water contaminating the box.
So, how does one remove the bearing race in the top of the gear box? It almost seems like I need to seperate the column from the gear box to get at it. Theres no way to use a puller or a piece of pipe through the column as there isnt a lip to catch on the back side of the race.
Also, the insulated bushing that connects the horn wire through the steering shaft didnt survive. I tried everything I could to coax it off without destroying it, but it split in half 3/4 of the way up the shaft. Ive found an NOS part, but is there anything I should be aware of when reinstalling this so I dont destroy it? Maybe grease the shaft and stick it in the freezer and then slide the warmed bushing down? Technically its not a bushing, but for ease of use thats what Im calling it.
Coincedentally, I just helped my welder friend pick up a lathe with all kinds of attachments which works out really good for me since it looks like Ill be making the steering bushings for the pitman shaft.
Thanks, Jeff
