crossmember removal?

[WillR]

Last post I asked about lowering my 78 as a might as well to the new springs and bushing project. I had to cut the anti roll bar bolts as they would turn only after days of bp showers and twisting. Nut they would not come out. I removed the 4 main bolts and the screw holding the card board mud flap. Off the steering rack i removed what looked like a cover. the cross member does not to want to slid off. It seems to be holding around the steering connection. did I miss something?

 

[tony barnhill]

Take the bolt out of the u-joint up by the firewall & the steering column should slide out of it.

 

[WillR]

thanks Tony. it was probably a dumb question. I am waiting for my shop manual to come so when i get stuck this is the only place to get answers. i should have time to work on it tomorrow.

 

[tony barnhill]

If the column doesn't slide out of the u-joint easily after you remove the bolts (& have it loose from the car at the other end)...take a screwdriver or punch & hammer & tap it out.

 

[WillR]

Im stuck on the final slide. The crossmember needs to be free of the four bolts off the body, THEN slide out of the u-joint by the fire wall or the other way around?


blessed to be in the drive way on a hot day.

 

[tony barnhill]

If you're gonna leave the steering attached to the crossmember...put a jack under it then remove the 4 bolts...then tap the steering column out of the u-joint pulling the jack with the crossmember down and forward as the steering column comes loose.

 

[WillR]

i have the jack in place and the four bolts out. the steering column has yet to come loose. i took the bolt that held the steering to the cross member but it wont budge. is that the only one i need to remove or should i take it apart? I have read a few of the post you put up on this and you seem to get it done no sweat. i assure you, i am sweating.

 

[tony barnhill]

No, you need to REMOVE the bolt holding the steering column to the U-joint up by the firewall & tap there with a hammer to get the column to drop free of that joint.

 

[WillR]

i had some time today before work, it came out easy after i figured it out. thanks for your help Tony. Now i have a bunch-o parts list i need to order as i clean and disassemble the cross member. i want to redo the breaks, springs and kingpin. How would i go about sending you a list for a quote Tony?

 

[vping]

Where in NY are you?

 

[tony barnhill]

Knew you'd get it...you can send me the list via email or PM.

 

[WillR]

upstate. syracuse area

 

[vping]

Bit far. If you were closer I could have potentially helped.

 

[WillR]

thanks for the offer