XJ shaft problem and first post

[Mountain_man]

I'm having a problem getting my XJ steering shaft apart. It is a little different style from the normal one with two plastic pins holding the pieces together however looks the same. At the connection point of the two pieces it simply will not slide. Anyone have any suggestions on how to separate these two pieces? I've soaked it in degrease solution over night and cleaned it all up. I've tried even penatrating lube to no avail. Please help if you can.

I've been a long time reader on this site (lost my last two account login info's )and love the information given. Thanks for your help in advance.

 

[dyeager535]

I would definitely wait for someone else to post up, hopefully that has experience in this, but failing more experience, I'd probably try compressing it.

Degreasing and so on will not work if it is indeed injected nylon...it would be just like in the GM columns. I found out about the compressing thing while working on my GM column, eventually where the nylon was "anchored" (nylon protruding from holes in the XJ shaft it sounds like) gave way and the two pieces would slide independently with a bit of effort. The nylon isn't actually (intentionally) adhering to anything, it's forced into grooves, channels, holes, whatever, to keep it in place.

 

[Jason4x4]

Heat it with a torch, and melt the nylon, then pull them apart and clean up. DO NOT breath the fumes, they are NASTY...

 

[Mountain_man]

Thanks for the replies I'll give that torch thing a try.

 

[Mountain_man]

Ok I got the dang thing apart by pulling with a truck and a few chains. How can I get this thing cleaned up to allow it to move further then standard length to allow for the install? Should I sand all the paint off the area it'll slide to? Thanks in advance again.

 

[BGKYK5]

I torched mine too. Once enough flaming bubbling plastic oozed out it came right apart.

Just get all the plastic out, it will still be a snug fit, but should be able to slide.

 

[Mountain_man]

Ok I got the mod all completely installed and it seems to work perfect. Great improvement in control and tight steering. I went ahead and tightened up my steering box as well after testing just the shaft by itself. it had some slack. Thanks for all the help and info on the upgrade!
Josh