I've done it without pulling the column out. the column would have to be unbolted and pulled and tilted down. shaft would need to be knock out of the bearing and pushed to the front of the engine bay. it's really easier to just remove the steering wheel, drive the pin out of the coupler, unbolt the column, take it out and put it on a bench. the only reason I didn't pull the column on the change I did was a 1965 cable column.