Steering Column/Dash Cluster...

[Surf Charger]

Hey guys,

Any tips on removing the fat part of the steering column right below the steering wheel? Also, is this necessary to remove in order to get the gauge cluster out?

thanks!

[moparstuart]

what year are you working on  ?

[Darkman]

Hey guys,

Any tips on removing the fat part of the steering column right below the steering wheel? Also, is this necessary to remove in order to get the gauge cluster out?

thanks!

I dropped the steering column to get my cluster out mainly because of the column shift

[charger01]

no need to drop steering column on floor shift models to remove cluster.  thinking I had to unhook wires from the back left to right.  but it back in just the opposite.

[Surf Charger]

It's a '69. My main problem is getting to the turn signal stem. Got the steering wheel off, unbolted what was behind the steering wheel...but can't seem to get the collar off (that mates up flush to the back of the steering wheel.

[469 runner]

There is a snapring right above the upper bearing. This will have to be removed. You'll have to unscrew and move aside the turn signal switch to see it.  The upper bearing has a slight interference fit to the steering shaft but should pull free with some persuasion.

[Rolling_Thunder]

You don't have to remove that collar to get the cluster out - simply loosen the bolts on the firewall and the three nuts off the bottom of the column bracket - this will allow the steering column to drop about 2" - more than enough room to get the cluster out -

[bill440rt]

You don't have to remove that collar to get the cluster out - simply loosen the bolts on the firewall and the three nuts off the bottom of the column bracket - this will allow the steering column to drop about 2" - more than enough room to get the cluster out -

x2 

Simple procedure as RT described. No need to remove or disassemble the column. Just drop/lower it, lay it on the seat, and the cluster will come out.
Just be prepared for lots of little cuts & scraped knuckles! 

[gtx6970]

You don't have to remove that collar to get the cluster out - simply loosen the bolts on the firewall and the three nuts off the bottom of the column bracket - this will allow the steering column to drop about 2" - more than enough room to get the cluster out -

IMO, if you go as far to remove the bolts holding it to the dash and to the firewall,
Just unplug it and knock the roll pin of of the coupler and remove the column altogether and get it out of your way

[histoy]

Be careful if you decide to drop down the column.   If you let it drop too far, it can pull apart the clamp for the coupler seal.   I learned this the hard way...

[Surf Charger]

You don't have to remove that collar to get the cluster out - simply loosen the bolts on the firewall and the three nuts off the bottom of the column bracket - this will allow the steering column to drop about 2" - more than enough room to get the cluster out -

x2 

Simple procedure as RT described. No need to remove or disassemble the column. Just drop/lower it, lay it on the seat, and the cluster will come out.
Just be prepared for lots of little cuts & scraped knuckles! 

Hah! I already have a ton of scrapes and cuts on my knuckles just from owning a Charger!

[Surf Charger]

Be careful if you decide to drop down the column.   If you let it drop too far, it can pull apart the clamp for the coupler seal.   I learned this the hard way...

I'll let it down an inch or so and use a ratchet strap to hold it up. I only need about 1/2 inch to get the cluster out. Thanks guys for all the suggestions!