Removing lower steering shaft

Post by **ScottBarnes** » Tue Dec 19, 2017 1:57 pm

Does anyone here have the magic instructions on how to remove the lower steering shaft on a '74. I've taken all the bolts off the rag joint and the bolt on the lower u-joint that connects to the gearbox, but it's going no where!

Post by **mickphatmac** » Tue Dec 19, 2017 2:29 pm

Garsh Darn Chevy Parts!!!!!

Post by **Eck** » Tue Dec 19, 2017 3:31 pm

You should be able to pull up to clear the rag joint end and then try to pry open the area a little bit that the lower bolt was clamping down. After that, try to either pull and hit the lower section with a dead blow or take a skinny pry bar and start to work the lower section out off the threads.

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Post by **ScottBarnes** » Tue Dec 19, 2017 4:30 pm

I ended up unbolting the gearbox and it gave me enough room to slip the shaft off. Those studs on the rag joint are too long to let it just slip by, and they don't come out. Stupid design! Now I need to get the upper rag joint off the shaft -- but that's gonna wait until tomorrow!

Post by **Viperwolf1** » Tue Dec 19, 2017 5:12 pm

If you're going to put a collapsible lower shaft in you need to remove the flange on the upper shaft. It is splined to the upper shaft and is also peened on the end. It's going to be difficult to remove. Might have to grind the peened end of the flange to get it to the point where it can removed with a puller. Try not to damage the splines because you'll need those for the new u-joint.

Post by **ScottBarnes** » Tue Dec 19, 2017 7:04 pm

Viperwolf1 wrote:If you're going to put a collapsible lower shaft in you need to remove the flange on the upper shaft. It is splined to the upper shaft and is also peened on the end. It's going to be difficult to remove. Might have to grind the peened end of the flange to get it to the point where it can removed with a puller. Try not to damage the splines because you'll need those for the new u-joint.

Thanks Phil -- didn't notice that it was peened. I watched a youtube video today trying to figure out how to get it off, and the guy used a grinder/cut-off blade, but I'm pretty sure I would screw up the spines if I tried that. I'll give it a try with the puller tomorrow - not much room to work in that space!

Post by **ZOSO** » Tue Dec 19, 2017 7:06 pm

I had to pull my column and cut the mount off. Didnt cut all the way through but got it close and just smacked it with a punch.

Post by **ScottBarnes** » Wed Dec 20, 2017 1:03 pm

Well, I tried soaking in penetrating oil over night and then put a puller on it and tapped with a hammer. It's ON there! I guess I'm waiting for reinforcements to arrive for this project. I'm not going to drop the column without some help (and someone that knows that they're doing). This is been one of the most frustrating projects I've done on these stupid old trucks! bangtard

Post by **Kinder** » Wed Dec 20, 2017 3:00 pm

I can give you a hand, text me and weΓÇÖll set up a time.

Post by **ScottBarnes** » Wed Dec 20, 2017 4:23 pm

Kinder wrote:I can give you a hand, text me and weΓÇÖll set up a time.

Thanks -- I've got one more trick to try that Bronco Raider suggested. I'll give it a shot tomorrow, and if it doesn't work I'll shoot you a txt. I've got a house full all starting to arrive tomorrow, so it will be after Christmas for sure. Thanks much!! BTW -- put Jan 6th on your calendar if you are around. A few of the Baja Bound guys are coming over to do some vehicle inspections, etc... I'm trying to have mine all done by then.

Post by **ScottBarnes** » Thu Dec 21, 2017 9:37 am

Well, this sob isnΓÇÖt going down without a fight - but IΓÇÖve got it on the run. 5 dremel cutting blades later... off to HD for more blades because it wonΓÇÖt budge from here.

Post by **Eck** » Thu Dec 21, 2017 9:42 am

You may consider throwing a torch at it to heat it up and then tap on that right side to see if itΓÇÖll separate itself.

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Post by **ZOSO** » Thu Dec 21, 2017 9:59 am

I also had to cut that bevel off the shaft to fit the new lower on it.

Post by **ScottBarnes** » Thu Dec 21, 2017 10:06 am

Eck wrote:You may consider throwing a torch at it to heat it up and then tap on that right side to see if itΓÇÖll separate itself.

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I actually had the torch in my hand, but IΓÇÖm terrified of burning the place down! There are flammables all around this thing.

Post by **ScottBarnes** » Thu Dec 21, 2017 10:07 am

ZOSO wrote:I also had to cut that bevel off the shaft to fit the new lower on it.

not what I wanted to hear

Post by **Kinder** » Thu Dec 21, 2017 11:35 am

From the looks of it the splines are still mushroomed out on the end, youΓÇÖre going to need to trim a little off.

Post by **ZOSO** » Thu Dec 21, 2017 12:00 pm

I used a TBP lower shaft and it had some very good instructions on how to do this. Did yours not come with any?

Post by **ScottBarnes** » Thu Dec 21, 2017 3:44 pm

ZOSO wrote:I used a TBP lower shaft and it had some very good instructions on how to do this. Did yours not come with any?

Mine is coming from Wild Horses -- hasn't arrived yet.

Post by **BOBS 2 68S** » Fri Dec 22, 2017 4:55 am

My old boss was taught in the navy to soak it in coke-a-cola
then some rum
and a bronco with a warm fuzzy feeling

Post by **ScottBarnes** » Fri Dec 22, 2017 8:52 am

Victory! I did get a little too deep on one cut, but it doesnΓÇÖt look like the spline is really hurt. New shaft should arrive today, and hopefully the instructions will tell me how to deal with the end of the shaft. My wife made me promise to stay out of the shop while the family is in town, but what I do when everyone is still in bed shouldnΓÇÖt count, right? [emoji13]

Post by **ScottBarnes** » Sat Dec 30, 2017 10:22 am

Family left, so IΓÇÖm allowed back in the shop.
New gearbox and steering shaft in place! Thanks for the tips and encouragement! This job really isnΓÇÖt possible without a good dremel!

Post by **Jesus_man** » Mon Jan 01, 2018 4:23 pm

Looks really nice!! You should notice a firmer steering!

Post by **Justin** » Sun Jan 07, 2018 6:53 pm

I put a tack weld on each side of the joint. Easy to remove, and those set screws made me a little nervous. I've heard horror stories about them coming loose.

Post by **ScottBarnes** » Sun Jan 07, 2018 7:01 pm

Justin wrote:I put a tack weld on each side of the joint. Easy to remove, and those set screws made me a little nervous. I've heard horror stories about them coming loose.

ThatΓÇÖs a great idea! I grounded out a flat spot for the screw and used locktite, but it sort of scares the crap out of me thinking about that upper joint slipping off the shaft while IΓÇÖm doing 65 mph on I25!

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Post by **Stubborn3** » Thu Feb 22, 2018 8:42 am

x2 I had my lower shaft come off the steering box. Luckily I was only going maybe 25 mph and a rock pile and wooden fence broke my fall. Scary stuff when you realize your wheel is still spinning but no turning is happening

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