E 350 Van L6-300 4.9L VIN E 1-bbl (1982)
Steering Column: Service and Repair
Removal and Installation
1980-87 E100-350 SERIES
Removal
1.
Apply parking brake and disconnect battery ground cable.
2.
Remove two flexible coupling to steering shaft flange attaching nuts.
3.
Remove shift linkage rod(s) from steering column.
4.
Set wheels in straight ahead position and mark relationship of steering wheel and steering column for proper installation.
5.
Remove screws from underneath steering wheel, then lift horn switch assembly from steering wheel.
6.
Disconnect horn switch wires by pulling spade terminal from blade connectors, then squeeze J-clip ground wire terminal and pull it out of hole in
steering wheel.
7.
Remove horn switch assembly, then the steering wheel retaining nut.
8.
Using suitable puller, remove steering wheel from shaft. When servicing a tilt steering column, the steering wheel must be in the full ``UP''
position when removed.
9.
Remove steering column floor opening cover plate screws.
10.
On 1980-81 models, remove shroud by pulling shroud tabs out of clip at bottom of column.
11.
On 1982-87 models, remove shroud by loosening screw at bottom, placing shift lever in ``1'' on manual 3 speed and automatic transmission
models, and spreading shroud and withdrawing it from instrument panel opening while pulling up and away from column.
12.
Remove instrument cluster column opening cover.
13.
Remove two column bracket to pedal support bracket attaching screws.
14.
Disconnect turn signal/hazard warning and ignition switch wiring harnesses.
15.
Remove steering column from vehicle, then the support bracket from column.
Installation
1.
Position steering column in vehicle.
2.
Connect turn signal/hazard warning and ignition switch wiring harnesses.
3.
Insert steering shaft flange through floor opening so that flange engages flexible coupling, then raise steering column up to pedal support bracket
and loosely install column support bolts. When the column has been removed, the flange assembly will be fully telescoped into the column. Gently
tap flange down to engage flexible coupling.
4.
Loosely install flexible coupling flange nuts and floor plate fasteners.
5.
Position steering wheel into place with retaining nut, aligning marks made during removal, and torque nut to 30-40 ft. lbs.
6.
Connect spade terminal of horn switch wire to blade connector and press J-clip ground terminal fully into threaded hole.
7.
Center horn switch on steering wheel and install attaching screws.
8.
On 1980-81 models, align steering column and flexible coupling as follows:
a. Pull steering column upward until flexible coupling is positioned between flat, and concaved upward {1/10} inch.
b. Torque steering column to support bracket and steering column opening cover plate to dash panel bolts to 8-20 ft. lbs.
c. Insert a .010 inch shim between flexible coupling right safety pin and steering column lower flange cutout then turn steering wheel one
revolution clockwise.
d. If shim cannot be removed, loosen cover plate clamp and plate attaching bolts and realign column until shim can be removed when rotating
steering wheel.
e. Insert .010 inch shim between flexible coupling left safety pin and lower flange cutout, then turn steering wheel one revolution
counterclockwise and check as in step 8d.
f.
Install trim cover.
9.
On 1982-87 models, align steering column and flexible coupling as follows:
a. Check for coupling pin to flange cutout clearance of .160 inch, adjusting as necessary.
b. Torque flange coupling nuts to 14-21 ft. lbs., steering column to support bracket bolts to 19-27 ft. lbs., steering column floor opening cover
plate to dash panel bolts to 12-18 ft. lbs., and steering column opening cover clamp bolt to 12-18 ft. lbs.
10.
Attach shift linkage rod(s).
11.
Connect battery ground cable.
