Dropping the steering column..

[Stargazer]

Ok guys,

quick question,
how to lower the steering column on a 69 Chrysler? (I want to remove the instrument cluster)
I loosened the two bolts above the column, no movement. Then loosened the three bolts on the big plate above the column with no result. It should be moving by now according to the manual.
Must the bolts bolted to the firewall also be removed?

Also, should the gear selection ”shifter handle” be removed before lowering the column?

 

[68 4spd Fury]

That should work, I'd take out those two by the firewall too. The shift and turn levers don't have to be removed as far as I know but the indicator needle needs to be though.

 

[Big_John]

Offhand, I'd say that upside down nut (shown with red arrow) is going to block your progress.

 

[413]

Yes like big john says take off the nut and the next nut Under it, it’s double nutted formthe ground wire.

And you need to remove 3 bolts from the firewall (in red). The 2 in yellow do nothing for freeing the column.

 

[3175375]

What @Big_John and @413 said.

 

[CBODY67]

The shift indicator needle is attached to the "shift level bowl" on the steering column that moves with the shift lever . . . by a fishing line-type "string", which is loosely bolted to that bowl. So when the bowl moves, the shifter needle moves. No need to remove the indicator, just take that nut off that holds the string to the bowl . . . which is also where you adjust that needle's position in the indicator.

Might need something to support the column after you "drop it" so that any flexible couplings and such are not damaged from "out of range" movements.

Enjoy!
CBODY67

 

[Stargazer]

Ok guys thanks for the input.
I loosened all the bolts, but not yet the bolts to the firewall like 413 mentioned. Will proceed with those tomorrow!

The indicator needle was allready removed.

 

[nightman61]

Ok guys thanks for the input.
I loosened all the bolts, but not yet the bolts to the firewall like 413 mentioned. Will proceed with those tomorrow!

The indicator needle was allready removed.

I am in the process of changing the steering gearbox on my 73 Newport, everything removed as indicated here. Today, will work on breaking plate loose from firewall. Can you advise if that was all you needed to do? I really don't want to have to remove dash, I just got it all installed.

 

[Stargazer]

I am in the process of changing the steering gearbox on my 73 Newport, everything removed as indicated here. Today, will work on breaking plate loose from firewall. Can you advise if that was all you needed to do? I really don't want to have to remove dash, I just got it all installed.

Yes it was, and off course disconnect coupler/gearbox.