Steering Column Repair: 1995 E350 Steering Column Replacement, tilt steering, battery cables

Question
Hi Pete,

I just wanted to get some basic information on replacing a steering column on a 1995 E350 Clubwagon 15 passenger van.  From what I was told at the local Ford dealer, the tilt columns have had tendancy to become loose (the bearings become warn) due in part to grabbing the wheel over time whenever you climb in the van.  Now, the gear shift is loose, and it won't go into park, though reverse, netrual and drive are still there though with a loose shifter, a lot of fun to find at times.  I have experience with woking on cars, from brakes to transmission, but have never tried something like replacing the column.  My Haynes repair book makes no mention of column replacement (I saw you recommended Haynes in another post, and I agree, much better than Chilton) but from the other post I've read, it seems to be a repair that should not be too hard for someone who is mechinically incline like myself. How hard is this repair? I've removed the steering wheel before, and know about removing the battery cables to allow the air bag capictors to discharge, I took a look at the flex coupler bolt, and that seems easy enough, I know from looking that the wiring is just one connection, but how difficult is it to remove the shift link connection and the column itself?  What should I look for and is there any other connections that need to be removed?  Also, is there any other things I should do during the removing of the steering column?  Also, do you recommend a particular type of junk yard or used part dealer for this, or do I just need to call around?  I appreciate any help you can give me, and if you have any basic directions I should follow, I would more than appreciate it.  Thanks for your time.

Basic information on repair:

1995 E350 Clubwagon 15 passenger van
351 EFI 5.8L
E4OD Transmission
Cruise Control
Tilt Steering
Air Bag

Thanks again.

Answer
Hello james
this to here from you . The junk yard where i deal alot will ship the colluim to you free of charge . it is in brockport ny the phone number is 585 637 5000 and they will be a big help to you . they will help you all they can . and once you get the colluim let me know i will explain about the shift linakange it is very simpile . well you hace the rest down pat . let me know when you are ready pete