Removing lower steering shaft

[ScottBarnes]

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!

[mickphatmac]

Garsh Darn Chevy Parts!!!!!

[Eck]

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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[ScottBarnes]

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!

[Viperwolf1]

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.

[ScottBarnes]

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!

[ZOSO]

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.

[ScottBarnes]

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!

[Kinder]

I can give you a hand, text me and we’ll set up a time.

[ScottBarnes]

I can give you a hand, text me and we’ll 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.

[ScottBarnes]

Well, this sob isn’t going down without a fight - but I’ve got it on the run. 5 dremel cutting blades later... off to HD for more blades because it won’t budge from here.

[Eck]

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


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[ZOSO]

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

[ScottBarnes]

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


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

[ScottBarnes]

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

not what I wanted to hear

[Kinder]

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

[ZOSO]

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

[ScottBarnes]

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.

[BOBS 2 68S]

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

[ScottBarnes]

Victory! I did get a little too deep on one cut, but it doesn’t 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 shouldn’t count, right? [emoji13]

[ScottBarnes]

Family left, so I’m allowed back in the shop.
New gearbox and steering shaft in place! Thanks for the tips and encouragement! This job really isn’t possible without a good dremel!

[Jesus_man]

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

[Justin]

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.

[ScottBarnes]

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.

That’s 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 I’m doing 65 mph on I25!


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[Stubborn3]

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