Doing the XJ shaft swap right now but I'm having a hell of a time getting the stock shaft off. I've managed to tap the top end down so it's barely on the steering column's end but that's it. Won't budge further but will wiggle.
CK5
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How do you get the steering shaft off? XJ shaft related.
- Thread starter AJMBLAZER
- Start date
Anybody?
Thing's stuck on and I can't get it off on either side. Somebody help me here before I break out the grinder and/or sawzall.
Only reference I found on here was 8 years ago and someone said to just take the rag joint off.
Undid the two nuts on the rag joint and can't get that thing to budge for ****. Going to go try and beat the other end back up the column.
Thing's stuck on and I can't get it off on either side. Somebody help me here before I break out the grinder and/or sawzall.
Only reference I found on here was 8 years ago and someone said to just take the rag joint off.
Undid the two nuts on the rag joint and can't get that thing to budge for ****. Going to go try and beat the other end back up the column.
badmix
1/2 ton status
There are two plastic pins in the middle of the shaft, those need to be popped and then you collapse the steering shaft. Otherwise you have to take column loose.
The factory GM OEM shaft?
Nevermind, I'm an idiot. Beat the end back up towards the column and then two wiggles with a screwdriver and the rag joint came apart.
Have the heat gun on high nuking it right now. Hopefully I can get it to collapse like this.
Have the heat gun on high nuking it right now. Hopefully I can get it to collapse like this.
Nothing's ever easy and the easy way is always mined.
Me thinks this would go better with a proper torch.
Just spent at least half an hour heating it with my propane torch and the heat gun. Got some plastic bubbles, that's about it.
Back at it tomorrow.
Me thinks this would go better with a proper torch.
Just spent at least half an hour heating it with my propane torch and the heat gun. Got some plastic bubbles, that's about it.
Back at it tomorrow.
Dont feel too bad. I just did this last weekend and had the same problems. Had to pry the old shaft off and everything. Once you get the proper torch it will be fine.
Yeah, no access to the hot wrench. Only person with one that I know is back in Michigan.
You can drill the plastic out too. Heat then drill then heat again and it will slide.
Mine's the kind with no pins.
I think Lowe's still sells those MAPP torches for cheap. When I got one, it was only 35 bucks and included a second bottle. It works really well too, even the stubborn seatbelt torx bolts aren't a problem for it.
Hrmmm, might have to give that a try.
Thanks guys.
Thanks guys.
Ended up getting a small oxy/MAPP torch/welder/brazer/cutting set for $59. We played hell getting the heat right but eventually got it so that we got the plastic nice and goey and then collapsed the shaft.
We had to beat the thing so it collapsed and expanded a dozen or so times but now doesn't clunk and isn't loose side to side yet we were able to expand it to the correct length by tapping it with a long punch and a hammer.
Only problem was the threads inside the column end stripped out as we were trying to tighten the bolt. Got a M8 10.9 bolt and lock nut and going to just run all the way through and pinch it shut that way.
We had to beat the thing so it collapsed and expanded a dozen or so times but now doesn't clunk and isn't loose side to side yet we were able to expand it to the correct length by tapping it with a long punch and a hammer.
Only problem was the threads inside the column end stripped out as we were trying to tighten the bolt. Got a M8 10.9 bolt and lock nut and going to just run all the way through and pinch it shut that way.
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Finished the install. Going to go clean up and take it for a spin.
Works great! I can feel a bit more steering feedback but definitely less wandering. Thing ought to be tighter than a virgin's...uhm...anyway...after the ORD brace.
sevans24
Registered Member
Bout to do the same on mine. I was changing the steering box out, replaced it with the 2 wheel drive, forgot I had taken the steering wheel off and it just started coming out when I took the last bolt out of the steering box. I just pulled it on out and now it's on the floor. Figured Might as well replace it now.
Any more pics or advice?
Any more pics or advice?
Heat and plan on it going longer than you expected with at least one parts store trip.
xCaliK5x
1/2 ton status
Hammer heat nothing, I had to use the shop press to collapse mine. It was all metal though. I think from an 88.
Stomis
Professional Amateur
Mapp torch made quick work of collapsing my XJ shaft. I definitely put too much heat on it though cause it got some side to side wobble in it.
O btw idk what kinda plastic they use in those ****ing things but it gives off REALLY bad fumes when you heat it...
O btw idk what kinda plastic they use in those ****ing things but it gives off REALLY bad fumes when you heat it...
Sounds like mine, no "pins". We weren't getting anywhere I finally just said, "**** it man, whale on it!" and my buddy did. Started collapsing under the battery of my 5-lb (I think) hammer.
After that the plastic started coming out in sheets but there's gotta still be enough in there that it doesn't wiggle like folks have talked about when they melted it all out.
Our problem was neither of us were having any luck adjusting this miniature oxy/MAPP setup. Never did get the correct flames but hey, we got it hot.
