thank you all
I have already removed the bed the front fenders are off
nad yes I intend to strip the front sheet metal and then go for the cab.
My Chihuahua and I were under the truck last night with a drop light and noticed the inner fender on the drivers side has a pocket where the steering colum passes thru the inner fender on its way to the steering box... He nor I either one had any idea how to solve that little puzzle.... so we called it a night... any suggestions