Removing dash to replace evaporator, how to drop steering column?

I'm going by the steps by alldatadiy's steps and I'm having trouble dropping the steering column, I found the two bolts that are holding up the column, but I'm having a hard time removing the black bracket that's blocking it.



It looks like there are 4x10mm screws holding it, but I can't get my socket in there. Any tips, or am I even approaching this problem correctly? Here's a shot of 2 of the screws on one side that I think I want to access

I know the black bracket (knee deflector bracket in your first photo with two bolts) comes off and you have to remove the horizontal bar behind it (four bolts) as well. I don't remember either being difficult when I did mine, maybe you have a stripped bolt?

Here's a write up I did when I swapped my dash, see step 14 or so. I followed the alldata steps. You may have to register to see the photos. Hope it helps.

http://www.fullsizechevy.com/forum/...ement?521791-1995-1998-Dashboard-replacement=


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Thanks, the two bolts came off easily, I just put them back on so I didn't lose them. The black plate seems to pivot around though. Maybe I'll try using a bit more force.

It may be catching on a wiring harness, I kind of remember one running back there or maybe being attached to it. Not sure though.


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Tap it on the bottom and it will slide up and off.

Skip to about 4:30 in the video...



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I had to pull real hard to get that bracket out and I was able to drop my column. Just remove those two bolts holding the column and it will drop.

I think they are a lot bigger than 10mm bolts though holding that column up... Don't remember them being that small...

Heh ya. Gave it a good yank and it came right out

@east302 things look promising, the passenger side of the dash looks like it's clear and ready to pivot, but the driver side feels caught. I tried lifting and wiggling forwards and backwards, but no luck so far. Any gotchas or tips? Also looking through this dash replacement thread http://www.gmt400.com/threads/dash-replacement.17137/ and I saw that he removed the gauge cluster and a bunch of other stuff on the dash itself, but I don't think those would catch or be required.

Remove the gauge cluster,the connector for it has to stay with the vehicle.IIRC once you remove the cluster you can feed the connector back through the hole it comes through.Funny thing.once you get the dash out you can plug the connector into the cluster and all the gauges will work,plug the light switch back in and you'll have lights as well.I drove a few days with the gauge cluster zip tied to the big steering column bracket coming out from the firewall.You can also see the cluster connector laying on the steering column if you look closely.Do yourself a favor,get help when removing it from the vehicle.It's big,awkward and heavier than it looks.

jollyjerry said:

@east302 things look promising, the passenger side of the dash looks like it's clear and ready to pivot, but the driver side feels caught. I tried lifting and wiggling forwards and backwards, but no luck so far. Any gotchas or tips? Also looking through this dash replacement thread http://www.gmt400.com/threads/dash-replacement.17137/ and I saw that he removed the gauge cluster and a bunch of other stuff on the dash itself, but I don't think those would catch or be required.

Click to expand...

If you're going by the alldata steps, then I assume you are leaving the wiring harness in the dash. That is what I did in that link I posted. I pulled the cluster out once the dash was removed. I've read where some disconnect the wiring harnesses from behind the dash and leave it all in the vehicle. That may have been easier, I just figured that I'd break something knowing my luck.

Referring to the photos in that link, at alldata step 25 there are two bolts on either side of the glove box.





Then on step 26 there is one by the ashtray and one above the gas pedal that needs to come out that isn't mentioned in the alldata steps...





Aside from the top three bolts at the windshield and the pivot bolts...






....there are two on the passenger airbag bracket...



That should allow it to pivot and give you access to disconnect the remaining wiring harnesses behind before removing the dash from the truck.


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