Pulling the steering shaft

[cruiser_guy]

How do I get the steering shaft out of the steering box? I got the shroud off but I don't know how the shaft comes out. I don't have a OEM manual yet. It's on my list of things to get when I'm stateside.
Do I need a slide hammer? There is no rag joint or anything like that on the shaft.
I'm trying to have the truck apart for the start of autoshop in August and I'll be away for June/July and part of August so I'm under the gun.

 

[3_puppies]

not 100% sure but I think you have to take the box apart to get the shaft out. the worm gear is on the end of the shaft along with some bearings. looking in the book you have to pull the end cap off thenstart removing the bearing than gear then other bearing and so on.

 

[cruiser_guy]

not 100% sure but I think you have to take the box apart to get the shaft out. the worm gear is on the end of the shaft along with some bearings. looking in the book you have to pull the end cap off thenstart removing the bearing than gear then other bearing and so on.

Yuck!!

It's in the way when I'm going to pull the body! I guess the box needs to come off then 'cause I'm not taking the box apart without a manual. I hate chasing springs and ball bearings all over the shop

 

[IDave]

The shaft is pressed into the worm gear, and the worm gear rides between two bearings which are pressed into the steering box. You have to take the steering box/shaft assembly out, and get the front and rear bearings off, then drive the worm gear off of the shaft. There are two Special Service Tools used in the process.

Mark of Mark's Off Road rebuilds these boxes.

 

[Owyhee Jackass]

You don't have to remove the steering shaft in order to remove the body...you just have to lift the body really, really high. Trust me I know.

Dan

 

[cruiser_guy]

You don't have to remove the steering shaft in order to remove the body...you just have to lift the body really, really high. Trust me I know.

Dan

I understand that, my concern is bending the shaft during the removal process! Maybe I just need to be careful.

 

[Cruiser_Nerd]

If you've got the nose off already, just pull the steering wheel,undo the tie rod end at the center arm, unbolt the box from the stand, underdash and firewall, and slide out the shaft/box as an assembly. Or lift the body really, really high.