Well I made an xj shaft work for the older 1” 48 spline column. I bought a steering u joint with that splined end on one side:
Then bought an xj shaft:
I carefully ground and file down the metal tabs that were pressed in holding the u joint in place on the shaft, the other u joint had screws to retain the u joint caps so those were easily removed..
Got creative with c clamps and various socket sizes to press the the u joint back and forth until I got the caps off. The caps were different outside diameters, but the inner bearing surface size was the same, so I was able to swap the caps and use the screws to retain the caps.
I tried to attach pictures but they’re too big with the iPhone 17 
Amazon.com: GLOCRORET 1" 48 Spline X 3/4" DD Black Steering Universal Joint Single U Joint Shaft, 83mm (3-1/4") Length : Automotive
Buy GLOCRORET 1" 48 Spline X 3/4" DD Black Steering Universal Joint Single U Joint Shaft, 83mm (3-1/4") Length: Universal Joints - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
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Then bought an xj shaft:
I carefully ground and file down the metal tabs that were pressed in holding the u joint in place on the shaft, the other u joint had screws to retain the u joint caps so those were easily removed..
Got creative with c clamps and various socket sizes to press the the u joint back and forth until I got the caps off. The caps were different outside diameters, but the inner bearing surface size was the same, so I was able to swap the caps and use the screws to retain the caps.
I tried to attach pictures but they’re too big with the iPhone 17
