Steering shaft

[Itsme0903]

I’ve got an 84 and just put a new rag joint on but I’m having an impossible time getting the steering shaft on. It’s got two plastic pegs in it. Can I just pull those and collapse it to get it back in?

 

[Dmack]

You can heat them, drill them, or just hit it hard. I was able to install mine by lining it up just right and prying it in. Make sure you got the right rag joint too. There are 2 different spline counts.

 

[Itsme0903]

Yeah. I got the right spine count I just cannot get it to collapse so I can reinstall. Gonna try and heat it some. Thank you

 

[Dmack]

The plastic pins are put in at the factory to hold length until a collision, where the impact will push the shaft into itself, instead of jamming a steel steering shaft through your chest. I would take a small drill bit to the pins first, then a little localized heat should allow it to collapse.

 

[nvrenuf]

If you have a torch burn them out. Do not replace.

 

[Old Guy Bill]

Can’t you take the column loose inside the truck and pull it back enough to get clearance?