getting the input shaft off the sterring box?

[weisel]

I can't figure out how to get the damn thing off so I can replace the seal on the box. I took the bolts off the damper, unbolted the holding bolt (for lack of better term) for the splined part attached to the box, and for the spline part attached on the upper end (that goes to the steerng wheel). What is the trick to this thing? Isn't the shaft suppose to slide into itself to get shorter, so I can pull one side off the splines? It woun't slide though. The only other thing I can think of is to pull the box off the frame and slide the box down and forward off the shaft. Someone please help because I don't want to go through that much work. There must be an easier way.

 

[79Beast]

After you unbolt the steering shaft from the ragjoint, push it (or tie it) to the side. Then loosen the through bolt. You will probably have to use a screwdriver or chisel to spread the collar apart enough to get it off of the splined end poking out of the box. It also may be rusted on so I would suggest a penetrant. I would also suggest replacing the ragjoint while you have it apart.

 

[weisel]

I'll go give it a try right now..be back with feedback.

 

[weisel]

No good. It woun't slide away from the box far enough to get off of the splined shaft. What gives?

 

[weisel]

I finaly did remove the 3 bolts from the box to get it
slid back and the shaft came right out. Put the
new seal in and no leaks! Yippie! And I pressed
out the dang plastic things holding the shaft
together. So now it slides up and down inside
itself so if I ever need to take it off again, I woun't
need to take the box off the frame. I then put a
cotter pin through the holes in the shaft to hold it
together (replace the plastic ones) so I can take it
out whenever I want.