2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission need help!! steering shaft wont move

[mjoppie]

ok i went out to adjust the preload on my 98 12v 4x4 and had to use a pry bar to wiggle the steering shaft loose off the box, and now the shaft wont telescope out far enough to get the lock bolt in. the shatf wont move at all. any ideas?????

 

[mechanic]

ok i went out to adjust the preload on my 98 12v 4x4 and had to use a pry bar to wiggle the steering shaft loose off the box, and now the shaft wont telescope out far enough to get the lock bolt in. the shatf wont move at all. any ideas?????

I am not sure if the shaft on those units is supposed to slip or if it is fixed with plastic lock pins molded into the shaft. Which ever the case may be, it sounds as though you may have collapsed the telescoping part of the shaft or columb. Sometimes you can remove the lower shaft from the truck and clamp the upper part in a vise. Then use a visegrip or cut a slot in a heavy steel plate and place it around the lower end above the lower joint and hit it with a hammer to expand it a little. If the shaft is supposed to slip, you need to take it all the way out and clean and lub it so it will move as the body jossels around on the frame. I don't know if I am on the same page as you are, but if I understand your question, this should help.



On a side bar, I do not disconnect the steering shaft to adjust the gear. After you play with it a while, you can get the "feel" with everything connected.



Good luck on getting it back out.