Dick T

From the 14th edition of Motor's Manual:
Remove horn button and nut. Pull off the steering wheel. Disconnect the control rod at the lower end of the steering column and also the selector cable or rod. Unfasten the steering column from the instrument panel clamp. pull off pitman arm. Unbolt the gear from the frame and withdraw gear. Dick T

2blu442

I've pulled the column & steering box from a 1954 and 55. The one thing I did differently is I kept the pitman arm on the steering box. I've got some photos I could post if that would help. John

Dick T

Yes I'd like to see the pictures. And Thanks. What about the wiring that runs up the inside of the column?

okie88

There will be a connector above the column underneath the dash to disconnect the wires. There are also wires at the selector in the engine compartment. You will need to remove the plate at the firewall that the column goes through. The column and gear are then pulled up through the firewall. I usually leave the steering wheel on, but probably easier with it off.

Dick T

Thanks for the tip. Looks like it might be a tight squeeze through the opening in the firewall. Dick T

2blu442

Here's some photos from a 1954. I don't know if there were any changes between these years or not, but I hope some of this helps.

I had forgotten that I removed the brake pedal and TredleVac from the car. That allowed me to remove the floor plate, which gave me a large area to remove the steering box through.

Floor panel and hole
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Then this shows the rubber piece that goes into the U shaped cutout on the floor panel
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Here's the piece that attaches the column to the bottom of the dash. It has four fasteners and just below it are the wires that attach to and run into the column
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Then here's where the transmission rod attaches, and the place where wires connect in the engine compartment
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Finally, the steering box at the end of the column
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Let us know if there's any other areas you have questions about, or would like to see a photo of. John

Dick T

Thanks for sharing the fotos. It doesn't appear as though the opening was that another plate that large is in firewall of 49's. All Hyrdramatic linkage have been removed in place is a Muncie 20. I will photograph this project for others to see what is involved.

Dick T

Well its almost two years later and tomorrow I will remove the plate covering the opening in the firewall and pray that the gearbox can make past the exhaust manifold.
Thanks to 2blu442 for the pictures and to Okie88.

Dick T

Aug 28, 2018. Update on Steering Gear Assembly Removal from 1949 Olds Coupe. This cannot be done without first removing the engine or the left fender and inner fender.

coldwar

Get it on a rack and it will slide out the bottom, box, mast jacket and steering shaft intact. Safety first - Good luck