steering shaft install issue, help please

[cj77jeep]

I am in the process of building a 77 cj...ready to install steering shaft....first mistake may have been buying a rugged ridge replacemnet shaft..anyway I cannot get the shaft to slide on the upper splines at the firewall, old one slides easy...has anyone had this issue before, thanks for any help

 

[Old Dog]

.first mistake may have been buying rugged ridge replacemnet shaft ..anyway I cannot get the shaft to slide on the upper splines at the firewall, old one slides easy...

That's probably it.

 

[Torxhead]

I would suggest trying to clean the old rusty splines with a wire brush. I recently installed a Borgeson and realized what a waste that was and should have rebuilt the oem shaft.

 

[TarheelCJ]

I agree that cleaning it should be first try, but I'm sure you have done that. I also just installed a Borgeson tonight. I used a healthy dose of waterproof grease on both the shaft and receiver before seating. Honestly it slid right on like it was meant to be there. I did however barely mate the coupling until it met the sweet spot. If you take a new metal scribe and trace each groove to "retrack" them just to clear any burs or dings it will help too. My 2C's....

 

[73CJ]

Can you spread it open with chisel in the pinch slot?

I like my Flaming River. Slid Roth on.

If cleanup doesn't do it, return it and go with Flaming River or Borgeson.

 

[ftwflh]

OI used a Rugged Ridge one and had to beat and pull to get it to telescope but after some time and lots of WD40 it srated moveing fine.Just a real tight fit.

 

[TarheelCJ]

I've heard the RR setups are kinda tough out of the box. I wonder if soaking them in some WD or something like that would help free it up

 

[gert]

Have you tried tapping it on with a hammer? I installed my new borgenson with a hammer and block of wood and slide on fairly well