1966 Steering Column Removal

[a7xmustang92]

I have a question. I own a 1966 mustang and I'm wondering how the whole steering column can be removed, or if it even can be removed. Does anyone know?

[bmxmon]

Pull the steering wheel off along with the little wedge shim thing thats in there holding the shaft. You'll have to knock the steering apart slightly, removing the pitman arm from the draglink. Then unbolt the gearbox. Go back into the interior and remove the bolts under the dash holding the column up, it should pull right out. The shaft is connected to the gearbox, so you can pull that out through the engine bay. Make sense?

[a7xmustang92]

Yeah, it's pretty clear, but is there a way to remove the column without removing the steering wheel? The thing is that for my 66 we have a donor car that has a woodgrain steering wheel. When we plugged a battery to the car, the horns worked very well. We are trying to see if there is a way to remove the column without messing with any wiring inside the steering column. We want to leave the internals the same on the donor car's column, just switch out the entire steering column from that car to my car..

[bmxmon]

No, unless you cut a large hole in the firewall. The shaft that the steering wheel is connected to is directly connected to the gearbox, it would have to be cut to free it from the gearbox. The wiring comes out lower on the shaft, it should be able to be unplugged. I wouldnt worry too much about your horn, just put it back together the way it came apart! Anyway best of luck.

[a7xmustang92]

Oh ok. Well, I'll see what I can do. Thanks.