Disconnect Steering Shaft (2nd gen)

Any advice for disconnecting the steering shaft on a second gen? I'm in the middle of installing URD headers and I cannot for the life of me get the thing disconnected in order to fit the driver's side into place.
(Note - this is my DD so quick advice would be amazing!)

 

Bump

 

there's one bolt to remove and there's a female splined piece that you can move out of the way and the shaft will be in 2 pieces.

 

Finally got it! On a slightly related note, any advice on replacing the clock spring?

 

that shit was a bitch to disconnect on mine. even the second time after replacing the engine. shit was rusted like hell and wouldnt slide

 

I had forgotten about an old trick: mix 50/50 acetone and automatic trans fluid and apply like WD-40. Best penetrant I've EVER used.

 

yeah i had to disconnect mine to install headers then again when put new engine in so we could clear the headers again

 

Awwww shitty man! I saw that coming. One of my buddies turned my wheel when it was disconnected. Cheapest part i could find was Toyota of dallas online $230 for it. But i have all the steering wheel controlls and such, yours would be cheaper if it doesn't.

There is a writup on here somewhere for doing it. Dont worry about it, its a 30min job and pretty easy. I did mine for the first time a few weeks ago specifically because of the header installation.

Good luck!

 

If u haven't done the recall, try getting the clock spring replaced under that. Just tell them the airbag light randomly came on