Removal/Installation

Fig. 1 Steering column installation. 1982---83 RWD models:

Fig. 3 Installing shift lever grommets:

Fig. 4 Ground clip & capsule installation:

RWD MODELS
REMOVAL
1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. On column shift vehicles, disconnect link rod(s) by prying out of grommet in shift lever(s).
3. Remove steering shaft lower coupling to wormshaft roll pin.
4. Disconnect wiring connectors at steering column jacket.
5. Remove steering wheel center pad assembly.
6. Disconnect horn wires and remove horn switch.
7. Remove steering wheel and turn signal lever.
8. Remove floor plate to floor pan retaining screws, then expose steering column bracket by removing the cluster bezel and panel lower reinforcement, or the panel lower skirt.
9. On models shown, disconnect shift indicator cable from column housing extension.
10. Remove nuts retaining steering column bracket to instrument panel support.
11. Carefully remove lower coupling from steering gear wormshaft, then remove column assembly out through passenger compartment using care to avoid damaging the paint or trim.
12. Cut plastic grommet(s) from shift lever(s) and install new grommet(s) from rod side of lever(s) using pliers and a back-up washer to snap grommet(s) into place. Use grease to aid installation of grommet(s). New grommet(s) must be installed whenever rod is disconnected from lever(s).

Fig. 1 Steering column installation. 1982---83 RWD models:

Fig. 3 Installing shift lever grommets:

Fig. 4 Ground clip & capsule installation:

INSTALLATION
1. With plastic capsules pre-assembled in bracket slots, install ground clip on left capsule slot. Install column through floor pan opening using care to avoid damaging paint or trim.
2. With front wheels in a straight ahead position and master splines on wormshaft and coupling aligned, engage coupling with wormshaft and install roll pin. Do not apply end loads to steering shaft.
3. While holding column assembly with bracket slots on mounting studs, install but do not tighten the two upper bracket washers and nuts.

Fig. 1 Steering column installation. 1982---83 RWD models:

Fig. 4 Ground clip & capsule installation:

4. Making sure that both capsules are fully seated in their slots in the column support bracket, and that the washer makes contact with the ground clip in the left capsule slot, torque upper bracket retaining nuts to specifications.
5. Place floor plate over floor pan opening, then center it around the column and install the retaining bolts.
6. Install steering wheel and horn switch parts, then connect horn switch wire.
7. Connect wiring connectors to steering column jacket, then connect battery ground cable and check operation of lights and horn.
8. Connect link rods to shift levers by snapping rod into grommet with pliers. Use grease to ease installation. Readjust linkage. Grommet must be installed into lever before rod is inserted into grommet.
9. On models shown, connect gearshift indicator pointer in approximate original location, then slowly move gearshift lever from 1 (low) to Park position while pausing briefly at each selector position. The indicator pointer must align with each selector position. If not, loosen the Allen head screw and readjust to align pointer correctly.
10. On models shown, place gearshift in Drive (third detent from Park) and attach indicator clip to shift housing extension with pointer centered on the letter "D." Check pointer alignment in all gear positions.
11. Reinstall panel lower reinforcement and cluster bezel or panel lower skirt.