I managed to get a 580B tank out through the front once but it had the top bent down somewhat. I've never had that tube out but I think it is a spacer. I believe the pin inside goes straight through, sometimes they break and I've noticed a long threaded rod used to hold them together. Can't help you there.
There are 4 bolts/studs that hold the steering column down on the torque tube. The front right one is hard to get at and sometimes I've cut it with a torch and repaired it later. Anyway, I believe with some hardware disconnected and a rope from the steering wheel to the top of the cab, the column will slide back on it's 'feet' quite easily. This unit is very heavy. The tank studs can be unscrewed by double nutting them, if needed. Maybe this would work.
If you end up splitting the tractor and want access to both the pump compartment and the shuttle compartment, then the column can be left hanging from the cab. Phil