I changed the heater core now I'm having trouble lining up the two bolts that mount the column to the dash. I didn't remove the column just the bolts to let the column drop enough to pull the dash. (I should say studs not bolts). What am I missing.

Thanks Kevin.

 

When I lower and raise the steering column in my ZJ, the column must be moved to align w/ the studs before replacing the nuts.

 

That's the problem, the column won't move in or out to line them up.

Thanks Kevin.

 

If you have a tilt steering try changing the angle of wheel before re-installing the column. It may be hitting some where and binding up. I had to do that in a WJ for my neighbor when I replaced the heater core.

 

The steering columns have changed from solid to telescoping to provide crash protection since the mid 60's. The old steering columns could trap or crush the driver from a front end collision. The current steering column will collapse on impact, w/o resistance.

The column will push in or pull out when unbolted from the dash.

 

Ok, I figured it out. What you need to do is remove the studs that are pointing out then the tilt wheel part of the column can slide up where the studs were then replace the studs.

 

While pulling the tilt lever towards you pry up on the plastic plate and lift column up into the studs. Damn that took me a while

 

Thank you for posting that. I've been stuck all day on that problem.

 

Did you take off the bracket that holds it up?
If you did it has a Left & Right side. Meaning one side is actually taller than the other.



Also note the column has different size weld nuts on it.