The Lair

@Subway4X4

Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement

Today I replaced my intermediate steering shaft and the yoke. The yoke would normally not need to be replaced, but I was concerned that I had messed up the threads on mine when changing my rack and pinion, so I ordered a new one. Turns out I didn't need one so I'm going to sell my OEM one for a few bucks.

Anyways, here are the part numbers for everything, including the bolts.




The first step is to get the drivers side wheel off as well as the inner fender splash guard to expose the u joint. Place a jack stand under the drivers side frame, but leave the front of the truck jacked up. This will allow you to turn your steering wheel with no resistance since the weight of the truck is off the tires.






Turn the steering wheel so that these two bolts are facing outwards. Use a 12mm ratchet or impact to break them free. My weapon of choice is my impact with my swiveling sockets. A normal socket won't work.





Next turn the steering wheel so that the bottom bolt on the u joint is facing outwards, and completely remove the bolt.




Next turn the steering wheel back so that the gap on the yoke is facing you.




Now we want to secure everything so that it doesn't move upon removal. This way when you put the new one in, your steering wheel will still be straight. Lower the truck so that the full weight is resting on the jack stand and passenger tire.

Next use ratchet straps to secure your steering wheel. I tried a few different combinations, but I found going horizontally out kept it the most secure.






Once you have that tightened down, grab a flat head screwdriver and a dead blow hammer. Work your way up and down the yoke by hammering the screwdriver in. This spreads it apart and makes removal possible.

Once you have that loosened up, use a prybar to remove the lower portion of the shaft that is attached to your rack and pinion.



You can now wiggle out the old U joint, and put the new one on using a wrench to get them all moderately snug

Once it's on, undo all your straps and jack up the front of the truck again. Turn the wheel until the bolt heads are facing you, and use a ratchet to tighten everything down. I tried finding a torque spec in the stickied thread, but of course that was the one diagram that was "broken". I just made them nice and tight.



Old shaft.





Even with all the precautions, my steering wheel is a hair off now, maybe one spline. It would be best to replace this before you are getting an alignment for something else, but IMO replacing this alone doesn't necessitate an alignment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgo3c6ACkRc






Also today I replaced my tail lights and reinstalled my back up camera. Man these things are sweet.

 

I'm pretty sure I have to do this...

 

I was blown away at how much smoother it drives. For the life of the truck it has been rough and I haven't even realized it. I'm extremely glad I did this, and only took about an hour.

 

Truck looks good in the rear now. One question, your wheel doesnt look centered when you strapped it. I m assuming the steering wheel isnt dead centered when you strap it down because of the turn to get to the bolts??

 

holy crap! this post took me by surprise! its actually related to the thread at hand

 

That seems opposite of good business.

I get a yearly raise, amount depends on how well the union negotiates with my employer. The current contract is 5 years with a 7% raise over those years. We have 3 years left and usually go on strike when the contract ends and before they negotiate a new one. Fucking silly to me but whatever.

 

Yeah, exactly. With it dead centered, I was unable to access any of the bolts. It doesn't need to be centered when taking it apart, so long as the tires and steering wheel don't turn when apart.

 

so many videos on YouTube... (yes I am bored. 1 hour of work left, and then its the weekend!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=59&v=0C6nvNlVx1A

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tt7hBr5Ed0w

Might be the weirdest music video on the internet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqKPe9w5bUs


https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCljo4Kh3NGSTKCKWNdAMgvg/featured

 

I only did it because Floyd requested it

 

Are you secretly in love with Randy and are slowly revealing to us little bits and pieces of your love for him?

 

I get a yearly raise too. Depending on my performance and if I hit the goals that I set for myself. Its between 1% - 5%. And that number is the percentage of my salary, as my bonus. If I complete the goal, and no one complains, then we get 3%. Which is pretty good.

The new job is a higher pay level, salaried (now I am hourly), similar bonus/raise requirements, but less stressful situations. Right now I have to be ready for when things go to shit, and scramble and call the right groups. But it would be really nice not to work weekends, 9-5, and not be part of essential staff. So if there is a snowstorm and I feel like its unsafe to come to work, I dont have to.

 

yes. And I am just fucking bored. Been researching bike parts all day, and finding stuff to get on Craigslist. Tonight Ill be picking up a 16mm f2.8 pancake lens for the camera that I dont use.

 

apparently burrito eating is a sport/challenge.. this guy has 500k subscribers to watch him eat an 18" burrito. @DoubleRGirl @Justanotherhemi @because_minitruck

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeqRaS6YrcU

Also, Im going to Chipotle for dinner

 

you are such a kind young man

oh don't be jealous big guy, there's enough Randy to go round

oh man its been a really boring weekend for me too. my dad went to the lake this weekend and didn't even tell me hahaha Its hard not to spend money when ur bored haha

 

The girls nailed it!

 

congrats!! the others didn't stand a chance!

 

best decisions (worst decisions) happen when bored

 

coupled with being drunk is even worse

 

Bought this ^^^^^ because of this:

 

I am watching a show about Ibiza beaches and what to do there, man, you. Ned. To. Go. There! Should see all the chicksssss, and upper part of bikinis are optional

Gf wouldn't agree lol

Awesome!