That actually works rather well. The roll pin is designed to simply prevent the collar from sliding off. It doesn't do anything else.

 

You used that as your punch or what am I trying to picture how you used it?

I wouldn't be so concerned about wacking the roll pin out if I were changing the R&P. You could yank the R&P out and work the pin on the workbench to retrieve the lower steering shaft (after disconnecting it from the upper steering shaft if it is so equipped that way).

 

The roll pin is just spring steel, with a bit of an interference fit into the hole. Use some chems on it, then drive it out. I think you would have to be trying REALLY hard to screw anything up. Trick is, to find an angle where you can get a straight shot at it with the punch/hammer.

 

It might be moot if I end up detaching the the lower steering shaft from the upper steering shaft. Pics in next post.

And yes, access - as you point out, could very well be a problem.

 

All photos...upper shaft goes to top of picture, lower shaft goes to bottom of photo. Pix taken from above looking into engine compartment.

This connection is squirrely to me. Can't say I've seen anything like this before. Yes, it looks like a pinch connection, but...

 

That looks just like my 1988's original intermediate shaft.

You're SUPPOSED to be able to remove that screw and slide the two parts apart.

A local machine shop finally figured out that it'd be easiest to remove with a torch ... "Can't be tight if it's a liquid!"



RwP

 

Oh, great! My confidence in getting my R&P off and/or detaching the steering shaft so I can lift the cab for body mounts has really soared thru the roof!

 

Maybe I just detach the R&P from the frame and see what happens. The hoses and tie rods can go along for the ride and maybe the steering shaft will tag along. Might help to lift/support the detached rack a little too so it doesn't weigh down the steering shaft.

Pump twice, inspect. Pump twice, inspect. Pump twice, inspect. Rinse & repeat.

 

Next question.

IF I knock out that roll pin, can I expect the shaft to easily pull out or will it be rusted to the pinion that forces me to fight with that too? And if it is rusted, would PB Blaster be advised or will that make its way into the rack?

 

I dunno how easily it'll pull out.

Don't think the PBlaster would creep into the rack too badly; you may want to just spray it with some ATF+4 and let that soak.

(DIY rust buster can be made from 50/50 ATF and acetone; not sure how good the acetone would be, but the ATF won't bother the rack at all if it leaks in, since there's a good 50/50 chance that's what you have ANYWAY!)

If you can split it at the bolt in the middle, that'll let you put it back together easily, too.

RwP