The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 1940s Steering box question

Hey gang, I know this is the "engine shop" but it seemed the best place for this post.
Am fixing up an old 1944 GMC CCKW army truck and need to replace the steering box.

After locating a couple of the units Im left with the question of separating the steering column tube from the steering gear box in order to install it in the vehicle.

Has anyone here ever separated the tube from the gear box?
My assumption is that the tube is simply press-fitted into the gear box and that it may separate by simply applying heat to the gear box casting, but thought Id ask befor proceeding further.

Thanks for any insight anyone may have.

Keep'em Rolling!

Actually, it shouldn't be press fitted, it should have a clamp on it to loosen up and slip it off.

Joe's right, if its a standard truck steering box, the tube is just a rolled sheet metal piece that clamps to the gear box with a small clamp, sorta like a bicycle seat clamp. The tube should just pull off with a little force. The top of the tube holds the upper steering shaft bearing and the horn wire runs down the tube and exits out by the clamp through a small opening.

A military gear my be different, I couldn't tell you anything about them.

Joe