What's the trick?

[magneto steve]

Hi Guys, this may sound stupid, but I'm having trouble with what should be a simple operation. I picked up a new saginaw stearing gear from a waggoner at pull-a-part and am trying to install it. I have all of the brackets, pitman arm, hoses, etc... removed, but I can't get the darn stearing shaft to come off of the old box. Yes, I took the bolt all the way out, the the clamp will slide up and down about 1/4 inch but the shaft will not budge where it slides on the splines of the input shaft of the box. I've tried prying with screwdrivers, hammering the box, and I've even invented a few new curse words. What am I missing? Is it pinned? Any suggestions?

 

[54cj3b]

try using a puller really helps a lot

 

[DHugg]

Faced the same problem on a '80 CJ7 recently. I used a Dremel HDuty cutter wheel to slice the sides of the articulation (to call that junk a U-joint is gilding the lily) at the steering column. Once I had the frozen steering shaft off, getting the rest to move was relatively easy.

The metal is as soft as cheese, cuts really quickly.

 

[magneto steve]

Thanks for the input guys. Turns out all I needed was a good night's sleep and a bigger hammer.

 

[dslywalker]

What would we do without a BFH

 

[BajaEdition]

Thanks for the input guys. Turns out all I needed was a good night's sleep and a bigger hammer.

OH YEA the BFM

everyone needs that tool

 

[nitor]

OH YEA the BFM

everyone needs that tool

I have one of those in my tool box. I've even used it.

 

[BajaEdition]

that and the dammit tool are the best
you know the dammit tool, htat is the one you pick up and throw accross the garage when you well dammit

 

[dave pam]

I got rid of my dammit tool, it started costing me more when it contacted other help less items