Removing lower steering shaft

[coachbarnes]

Who has the secret instructions for removing the lower steering shaft from a '74? I've disconnected all bolts on the rag joint, as well as the bolt on the u-joint that slips over the gearbox splines. The shaft isn't budging. What's the secret? I've ordered a new slip shaft from WH, so I'm about ready to take a cutting wheel or torch after this thing!!

 

[Matt@Wildhorses]

Best bet, if you can't sneak the old shaft out past the rag joint, you can take the column loose from the dash and fire wall bracket to get a little more space. Once you get the old shaft out, re position the column in the mount and secure it back down. Then work at getting the rag joint off, (the next fun part).

Matt

 

[coachbarnes]

Well, those stupid studs on the rag joint wouldn't let it just slip by, but I unbolted the gearbox and it gave me just enough room to get the shaft out.

I saw a youtube video of a guy cutting the rag joint on the upper shaft off because he couldn't get it with a puller. I've had enough fun today, but will try a puller tomorrow..I'd love to talk to the engineer who designed this setup!

On a side note -- I bought one of these super cool OTC "Super Duty" pitman arm pullers. WOW! Had my pitman arm off in about 10 seconds! GREAT TOOL!

 

[jonmelton]

I saw a youtube video of a guy cutting the rag joint on the upper shaft off because he couldn't get it with a puller. I've had enough fun today, but will try a puller tomorrow..I'd love to talk to the engineer who designed this setup!TOOL!

It was probably my video, I had to cut the rag joint off. 40 years and it was basically welded together.

[youtube]es--tRjHOjk[/youtube]

 

[coachbarnes]

It was probably my video, I had to cut the rag joint off. 40 years and it was basically welded together.

[youtube]es--tRjHOjk[/youtube]

No - it some other dude that didn't go into as much detail. Did your new lower shaft come from Wild Horses? I don't recall seeing that it needed a hole drilled into the shaft. What a PITA that looks like!

 

[coachbarnes]

Then work at getting the rag joint off, (the next fun part).

Matt

Oh man -- that part sucks!! Tried soaking it overnight in penetrating oil, then took the puller after it. No way. Gonna try to use a cutting wheel on my dremel tomorrow.

 

[coachbarnes]

Well, I got the upper rag joint off. Cut a little too deep in one spot but I don’t think the spline is hurt. The new WH shaft should arrive today, and I’ll have to figure out how to deal with the mushroomed end of the shaft.

 

[coachbarnes]

Finished! This job was all about having a good dremel with grinding and cutting wheels!