intermediate steering shaft removal

[87 Pete]

I've been trying to replace the rubber coupler/rag joint, so I unbolted the pinch bolt on the steering box, and the one at the other end, near the firewall.

I absolutely cannot get it to slip far enough off of the steering box gear or at the other end to remove it though. It was my understanding that it is supposed to collapse, but it won't budge at all.
It looks rusty inside the rubber sleeve, is it likely that the two shafts are rusted together?

Are there any other simple ways of removal?

Can I unbolt the steering box and get it out that way?

Thanks.

Pete

 

[pacecarta]

the intermediate shaft will collapse... when you crash or heat it with a torch ..otherwise it should be stiff .
remove the bolts at the floor plate drop the two bolts under strg bowl and and slide the column out a bit , you should have room then
easier still but a little more muscle needed ,pull the strg box bolts and drop the strg box off the frame enough to get it free .

 

[Rickracer]

Lube up that shaft

It should slip up enough to get the coupler/rag joint off. You may have to persuade it with a pry bar.

 

[gn4u2c]

Hmm cut it in half comes right off