are there any real issues to look out for when removing the column. and also,what is the clearance i keep reading about at the rag joint i think it is .250

I removed & replaced my steering column with a Flaming River stainless tilt column 2 yrs ago. My column was pretty bad & I couldn't find a replacement for a 68 at the time. I would suggest getting a corvette manual from Hanes or Chilton and follow their directions closely. I would also suggest replacing the flexible coupling while you're at it. The whole job wasn't hard to do...but getting into those strange positions under the dash is no fun. It made a huge difference in the handling.
Good Luck
Alan

Are you just changing the rag joint? If so you dont have to completely pull the column?
Either way, the bolts through the fire wall are a pain to get to, a long extension a knuckle and a deep socket are in order. Also the bolt on the column near the rag joint is an odd ball, seems to me its torx or star bolt, I had to borrow a socket from a mechanic.

If memory serves me correctly, at least on my 72, the bolts on the rag joint required a 12point socket to remove. Don't remember the exact size, but it will take a 12 point socket.

Not that hard to get out...mine's been out twice in the past three months. Toughest part is the ignition switch wires/connectors. Everything is buried up under there and the connections are rather short. What are you doing to the column?? Sent mine out for rebuild ( T & T ), came back looking great. Installed it and had trouble with the ign key buzzer on all the time, and the ACC position worked only when turned past the detent. Soooooo, I pulled it out and sent it back to the vendor. Cleaned and painted the thing and that was the worst part of the whole project. Really close to starting the thing.....this is holding me up.