In the process of replacing the rag joint but I can't get it off the steering box shaft. It moves forward on the shaft about 3/8" of an inch then stops. I've tried tapping and prying but no luck. Any ideas before I get the torch. All the bolts are off as well.

[QUOTE=Metal Man]In the process of replacing the rag joint but I can't get it off the steering box shaft. It moves forward on the shaft about 3/8" of an inch then stops. I've tried tapping and prying but no luck. Any ideas before I get the torch. All the bolts are off as well.[/QUOTE]

Tap a thick screwdriver down into the slot of the coupler, to spread it open. It will come of easier then.

Spray it down with WD40(or equivalent) too.

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Joel Adams
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O K got it off with a wheel puller. Took it apart and installed the NAPA kit. What a PITA taking it apart, had to grind off the rivets. Re installed everything and I think it feel a little tighter only problem know the wheel is a bit off centre. During dissamble I had removed the coupler from the steering shaft side, I know it wasn't necessary but I centered it ont the shaft, counted the splines. Is it possible that the wheel may be not centered on the shaft. I know if I take the wheel off and remove all the set screws is there a block and nut on the shaft that I can remove and shift a spline over?

The steering wheel was the problem, wasn't centered on the shaft. Bubba must have had it apart at some time. It feels better with the new rag joint, but it still had some slop in it so I turned the adjuster screw on the steering box in 1/8" of a turn. What a difference, much more responsive. The combo of these two things has made this car handle like nite and day, I'm a happy guy.

Thats awesome I pulled mine out of the solvent tank today and started cleaning it up. How much was the rebuild kit from napa? 

I think the kit was 13.00 canadian. That was for the rag joint. I didn't rebuild the steering box. I just gave it a slight adjustment. It seems to feel a hole lot better. I was told not to turn it in anymore than the 1/8" of a turn or I could do more damage than good. Next step, better tires. $563.00 installed for BF Goodrich TA's 225/70/15 at Costco. It's got Goodyear Eagle RH's on right now, not very good tires.