collapsing column

[72tutone]

Im following putter's faq, but I cant seem to get the shaft off the rag joint studs? I removed the two bolts in the shaft, and I think I removed the correct bolt up toward the column. All the bolts have been removed in the cab.

Is this the correct bolt/fastner to be removed in the pic 2 with yellow circular around it?

Here is his quote, "Now, go under the hood and remove the intermediate shaft (not required in all cases) It is the shaft that I have indicated. It is secured by a clamp-type fastener at the top and two bolts at the gearbox.
You must COMPLETELY REMOVE the bolt in the upper fastener before it will come off."

Also being splined do I need to line it up with anything? Some said yes, and some said it isnt required.

[sduckworth13]

Yes, but you don't necessarily have to do it that way if you can remove the plastic pins drilled out ( or heated up the and plastic will ooze out of the holes ) and get the shaft to slide down for you without pulling the intermediate shaft off.

[72tutone]

I will try the burning technique and come back and let you all know.

[72tutone]

Originally Posted by 72tutone

I will try the burning technique and come back and let you all know.

ok burnt them out. saw plastic pouring out. where is the best place to try and push to collapse it? i still have steering wheel on.

DO i need to remove the bolts holding the ring on the inside of the firewall?

[sduckworth13]

Usually if you heat it up to the point the plastic will ooze out, the intermediate shaft will usually slide with a little persuasion

[EARNHARDT#3]

Originally Posted by sduckworth13

Usually if you heat it up to the point the plastic will ooze out, the intermediate shaft will usually slide with a little persuasion

I still had to beat the heck out of mine. There was no way I could've done it with the column still installed.

[sduckworth13]

Originally Posted by EARNHARDT#3

I still had to beat the heck out of mine. There was no way I could've done it with the column still installed.

I had one like that also, the last one I did had minimal rust which made a big difference.

Here is another link with some useful information about collapsing the column.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/index.php

[Lou Boffa]

Even off, I could not get my column to collapse. Not heat, not pounding...just would not budge--finally had to loosen the gear box, back it off a bit and slide the upper rag joint fitting over and down onto the (new)rag joint bolts and studs...pita but worked.

[hugger6933]

Take the bolt out at the box end down where the splines are then pry up on it with a bar to shorten it a little, then once off heat it up good clean it the best you can then take the upper part and hit down on the lower part with the upper on a table, it should just slide together. If not take a hammer and hit it so the end come apart from each other when it is split sand or slightly grind it so it can move free. Jim