How do you remove the steering column so you can remove the dash to change a heater core? All of the steering column wiring is disconnected and so is the shifter indicator wire. The two nut/stud nuts are off that holds the steering column shaft to the dash metal frame are off too. It was my understanding from a Chilton’s manual that this should now slip off letting you keep all of the linkages and connections on the engine side of the firewall stay intact. Am I overlooking something? Any tips, tricks links to videos or OEM repair manuals would be appreciated.

 

check the DIY section. there's a DIY on heater cores

 

All I did was remove the few screws that hold it up and tipped it against the seat. Then tipped the dash as far back as possible to get at it. It was a major PITA, but it was doable without removing the steering wheel/shaft or the dash.

 

+1 on don't remove the column, just push the seat back and lower it.

download and save this service manual. its really good.
http://www.rm-indy.com/wavefiles/2001ramsrvcmanual.zip

heater core. #30 on this page.
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...and-links.html

 

I heard sometimes you may have to remove the seat on reg cabs to get the column low enough for the dash to clear....

 

you do, i tried to take out my dash, and i DID take off the steering column, and with seats in theres no way to get it out. (had electrical problem, and still do)

but yes in Reg. cabs you need to take out seat, and i put my steering column back up, and theres no problem with that

 

I replaced my evap.core without removing any seats or the steering column. And it is a reg. cab.

 

i took my steering column out just to make it easier.
the column is easy to get out after you take all the wires loose. it has the 3 bolts that hold it to the firewall and the one bolt on the shaft beside the brake booster close to the firewall.

 

there was no way to get mine out without takin out seats, unleass i wanted to crack the dash

 

Did this last Saturday on my reg cab. Wheel stayed in place. Moved the seat back, and just tilted the dash. We didn't take out the seats or the wheel. Dropped the HVAC and viola!! BUT the guy who helped me has LOTS of experiance at this type of thing.