Dodge Repair: Steering column removal, shaft coupler, brake light switch

Question
Hi Kevin, please tell me how to safely remove the steering column on my 2004 Dodge 3500 truck. I just want to remove the plastic cover that wraps the steering rod behind the steering wheel but I think the tilt steering lever gets in the way.
Thanks Kevin,....Kirk

Answer
REMOVAL
WARNING: BEFORE SERVICING THE STEERING COLUMN THE AIRBAG SYSTEM MUST BE DISARMED. REFER TO ELECTRICAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM FOR SERVICE PROCEDURES. FAILURE TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

CAUTION: All fasteners must be torqued to specification to ensure proper operation of the steering column.

Position the front wheels straight ahead.
Disconnect the negative (ground) cable from the battery.
Remove the two switches from the steering wheel.
Remove the airbag, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG - REMOVAL).
Remove the steering wheel with special tool CJ98–1 or an appropriate steering wheel puller.
CAUTION: Ensure the puller bolts are fully engaged into the steering wheel and not into the clockspring, before attempting to remove the wheel. Failure to do so may damage the steering wheel/clockspring.

Remove the steering column opening cover (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN OPENING COVER - REMOVAL).
Remove the tilt lever.
Remove the column shrouds (UPPER & LOWER SHROUDS).
Remove the clock spring, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - REMOVAL).
Disconnect the wiring harness to the column.
Remove the shift cable from the column shift lever actuator (Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC - 32RH/GEAR SHIFT CABLE - REMOVAL).(SHIFT CABLE CONNECTOR).
Release the shift cable from the column bracket and remove it from the bracket.
Remove the SKIM module in order to disconnect the electrical connector.
Remove the upper steering shaft coupler bolt and slide the shaft down (COUPLER SHAFT) & (UPPER STEERING COUPLER)
Remove the brake light switch and discard (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/BRAKE LAMP SWITCH - REMOVAL).
Remove the four steering column mounting nuts (MOUNTING HOLES).
Remove the steering column assembly from the vehicle.(STEERING COLUM