charliek wrote:How do you detach the steering box from the steering column input shaft?
the steering column can collapse, it is telescopic.
There are two ways to do this.
1) You must remove the coupler cover (small cover attached with 4 bent tabs to the coupler body), and push the steering column up towards the steering wheel (you may need a vise clamp to do this). Don't push it too far, there are safety plastic tabs inside the column to limit movement to a few inches.
2) Using a punch and hammer, remove the pin in the coupler body (you may have to turn the wheel to see and align it). Push the coupler/column assembly up.
If you are planning to replace the steering box, use the second method. It's easier to remove the pin on the car, than it is with the box on the workbench.