79 J10 Steering Column Replacement

[MNeug]

Hi all. I'm replacing my steering column and CANNOT get the column separated from the linkage under the truck, where the splines meet. I loosened the pinch bolt all the way and spread it open. I've tried PB Blaster, hammering, heat... it won't come apart. The male and female with the splines won't come loose. Been in there nearly 46 years. I'm thinking it'd be easier to just replace the next part of linkage, where it goes from the steering column splines all the way to the front of the truck. But I don't know what that next part of the linkage is called so I can search for it. Any hints or ideas? I appreciate any help!

[tgreese]

Which parts are you pointing to?

Jeep79SteeringColumn (584 x 273).jpg

Left hand drive, with column gear shift, with adjustable wheel.

There are a couple of different styles of flex coupling at the steering column. Some use the bell coupling 10.740 and some use the rubber flex coupling that connects to the flange in the two inset pictures.

This is from the '74-80 Jeep Corp parts book, available on digital media for about $25 from RockAuto and likely others. It will help you. The best way to find parts is by the Jeep part number, and the Jeep names are the best way to describe the part you need.

[SJTD]

To be clear, you loosened it all the way but did you remove it? Gotsta remove it.

[tgreese]

And ... first post! Welcome.

[tgreese]

To be clear, you loosened it all the way but did you remove it? Gotsta remove it.

Ah. That is, remove "it" - the bolt - completely. There is a notch in the shaft that is held by the bolt unless you remove the bolt completely. Yes?

[MNeug]

To be clear, you loosened it all the way but did you remove it? Gotsta remove it.

Ah. That is, remove "it" - the bolt - completely. There is a notch in the shaft that is held by the bolt unless you remove the bolt completely. Yes?

Ahh, I did not know that. I assume we're talking about the pinch bolt. Yeah, I just loosened it all the way and removed the nut but not the bolt itself. I'll give that a shot. Thanks.

[MNeug]

To be clear, you loosened it all the way but did you remove it? Gotsta remove it.

Thanks! I'll try that. I only loosened the bolt and removed the nut but did not remove the bolt. I appreciate it. I will say that the bolt itself seems connected to something. The nut comes right off but the bolt stays connected to something. Of course I didn't really TRY to remove the bolt yet since I thought it only needed to be loosened.

[SJTD]

There's a groove in the shaft that'll prevent complete loss of control until the bolt falls out if the nut loosens up.

[tgreese]

... Thanks.

Heh. Thank SJTD.

I knew what he meant but he thought of it. I guess I'll have to spend more time working on Jeeps!

[MNeug]

There's a groove in the shaft that'll prevent complete loss of control until the bolt falls out if the nut loosens up.

The bolt seems to want to stay in there, which I guess is exactly your point. Makes sense. Just tap it out with a hammer?

[tgreese]

I would use a pin punch and tap on the center of the bolt - to avoid rounding over the end hitting it directly with a hammer. Yes - tap it out.

[MNeug]

I would use a pin punch and tap on the center of the bolt - to avoid rounding over the end hitting it directly with a hammer. Yes - tap it out.

I can do that. I'll be gentle. I can't believe I didn't think of this. Once you said the thing about the notch it was like a smack to the dome. Duh. Obviously you're not going to have the entire steering stability of the truck rely on one little hex nut staying in place. Thanks. I'm confident this is the solution.

[devildog80]

Speaking of a smack on the dome, if needed pinch the collar back together enough to get the nut to screw back on the bolt a good 2-4 threads but still loose in the collar, then give the nut a good smack. The base of the bolt fits into the collar as a carriage head, with the round head but a square base under it, and can become "attached" to the collar after so many years without being moved. That usually pops the bolt loose, but if not, smack the bolt head too. A couple times back and forth on each end and the bolt will come loose, then remove the nut and bolt, and joint should come apart.

[MNeug]

Speaking of a smack on the dome, if needed pinch the collar back together enough to get the nut to screw back on the bolt a good 2-4 threads but still loose in the collar, then give the nut a good smack. The base of the bolt fits into the collar as a carriage head, with the round head but a square base under it, and can become "attached" to the collar after so many years without being moved. That usually pops the bolt loose, but if not, smack the bolt head too. A couple times back and forth on each end and the bolt will come loose, then remove the nut and bolt, and joint should come apart.

That makes sense, the carriage head part. I was wondering why the nut loosened without having to put a wrench on the top of the bolt. The nut is actually still on the bolt for the 2 to 4 threads so it should be no issue. I put it back on just so I didn't lose it as my dumb arse tends to do. You know that old lazy "I'll put this right here and totally remember where I left it" only to be followed by the "ahh mother %^$#%^ where did I leave that"?!?!

[devildog80]

Yep......know what you mean, and found trying to get a punch down in there....and the hammer to hit it with......easier to put the nut back on and give it a good smack. Maintains the threads, and really can't bugger up the nut, as this method usually pops the bolt loose quicker.

[MNeug]

Speaking of a smack on the dome, if needed pinch the collar back together enough to get the nut to screw back on the bolt a good 2-4 threads but still loose in the collar, then give the nut a good smack. The base of the bolt fits into the collar as a carriage head, with the round head but a square base under it, and can become "attached" to the collar after so many years without being moved. That usually pops the bolt loose, but if not, smack the bolt head too. A couple times back and forth on each end and the bolt will come loose, then remove the nut and bolt, and joint should come apart.

Well... that took about 3 1/2 seconds. Took out the bolt in one slight tap, steering column popped right out. If I had taken ONE SECOND to look at the replacement column I would've seen the notch. To paraphrase George Costanza "you might think you're an idiot but I am Neugent, Lord of the idiots". I truly appreciate your, and everyone's, replies and help. Thank you so much.

[MNeug]

There's a groove in the shaft that'll prevent complete loss of control until the bolt falls out if the nut loosens up.

Thanks so much for your help. It all came out so easily after the bolt easily came out. You did me a great solid.

[MNeug]

I would use a pin punch and tap on the center of the bolt - to avoid rounding over the end hitting it directly with a hammer. Yes - tap it out.

Thanks again! Old one out, new replacement in. Quick question, any hints on getting the shifter on the column back in? You know, it has that wedge shape to it with the couple of sorta serrated notches in it. I don't want to force it and damage something. I know about how to get that tension pin in to hold it in place but is there a specific way to get the shifter arm back in? Do I go in one direction and pull or push? Clearly there is some spring action going on in there. I appreciate the help. -Mike

[tgreese]

Mike, if you look in the TSM for '82, at section 2J, there are detailed instructions for steering column dis/assembly. Probably it's in the '79 book too. This is a GM commodity column in both years. Both books are available free to read and download at the Tom Collins site. I have no background with the automatic shifter, since I only own manual transmission FSJs.

[MNeug]

Mike, if you look in the TSM for '82, at section 2J, there are detailed instructions for steering column dis/assembly. Probably it's in the '79 book too. This is a GM commodity column in both years. Both books are available free to read and download at the Tom Collins site. I have no background with the automatic shifter, since I only own manual transmission FSJs.

Any chance you have a link to the Tom Collins site? Man this is going to sound lame but all I'm finding are drink recipes.