steering coupling replacement.....I'm stumped

I cannot understand how I can remove the coupling without removing the steering column!(?)

From reading several posts here and reading the 1972 Chassis manual, I still can't figure it out!

I don't think there will be room to drill out the rivets in the old coupling to replace them with bolts for the new Lares coupling. The two pictures below are from my donor car.



So....If I could unbolt the u-joint from the steering column I could do it on the work bench...took the nut off but this thing won't come apart!(?)

 

What should I try next?

I have the whole new steering assembly ready to go in but first I need to solve this puzzle!
Thanks for reading!


Edited by fordismyboss - 18-September-2017 at 6:54AM

It's splined shaft with a groove for the cross bolt. Got it! Thank you. I'll try this asap!

Thanks guys, your inputs got me over the finish line.

The entire lower tubular steering shaft came right out in one piece. The bolt on secondary shaft is a fail-safe design and a bit confusing at first.

 

here is a picture of the end of the tubular shaft and how it can only go in one way. 



And the slot on the tubular shaft for the bolt.......

 

Thanks again, and perhaps all this helps someone else too......

Great thread Then My 76 Gran Torino Station wagon needs a new coupler. Got the new Lares coupler from rockauto today and will soon start to replace it. What I havent decided 100% yet is if I will try to do the jobb from above, or if the car has to be jacked up in the front, and take it from down under. Opinions?

Which one fits my 72 GTS? Ant idea? Should I pull the one on the car first to check?

Ah, ok, Vince, thanks. I'll see if I can determine which I have.

Appreciate that. My 72 Torino has too much play in the steering, normal for an old car. I'm going to take it to my mechanic and check the play in the tie rods, check the rag joint, and steering box. I'm going to predict it needs a new box.

Well, I'll see if I can find a Saginaw version, is there anything else that has to change to make it work? Probably need the Saginaw rag joint, I imagine. Will my Pittman arm swap onto a Saginaw?

The stock Ford steering box is 4 turns lock to lock, but when installed in the car it is actually less. It will hit the steering stops first making it more like 3.7 turns lock to lock. 

Borgeson 800128…Delphi 600 modern box…straight bolt in Saginaw…14:1 ratio 3.5 turns lock to lock…easiest install out of anything I’ve put in…made to be an upgrade for 71-73 mustang

Neal wrote: Thanks, Vince. I'll do some research to see what part number the Saginaw pump is, for the 72 Torino. This ?   https://a-premium.com/product/Power-Steering-Gear-Box-for-1972-1976-Ford-Torino-fuSp490XVh . . In what ways does the Saginaw improve steering over the Ford gear?

Edited by 72FordGTS - 05-February-2025 at 1:48AM