Lower bolt on the Lower intermediate shaft

Is there anyway to get the lower bolt off the lower intermediate shaft without removing the cv axle and the lower control arm? I tried coming from the top with extension bars and a universal socket extension but I couldn’t fit the socket on the bolt. The top two bolts of the shaft came off easy but that lower bolt seems impossible to get to without removing the axle. Let alone removing the shaft itself off the rack.

 

After reading through a few other writeups it looks like you can turn the steering wheel to provide better access to the lower bolt and then turn the steering wheel back to access the top bolts. I don't have a jack, so the wheel is staying on.

 

Yes, you can move the wheel.
Just don't move it more than needed. if you let it spin too far, it can damage the spiral cable in the steering wheel.
The seat belt through the hole on the steering wheel is a good "trick" to stop it from spinning on you.

 

What part number is that joint? I’ll need to do mine soon. Thanks.

 

Thanks. My clock spring is bad anyways so that’s my next repair.

 

I got mine on Rock auto and bought a spare bolt for the lower bolt. I haven’t had a chance to compare the new to the old since I’m still in progress but the new joint is nice and smooth.

 

Think I could get by jacking up and removing the wheel with a bottle jack?

 

Sure.

Removing the wheel and the fender apron would have been the first things I did.
Gives you a lot of extra room.

Going through the fender well is easier.

 

Not the worst project. Might as well buy some new bolts while you are at it.

Old writeup I did. Wouldn't hesitate to do that job again to save some money.

 

Just turn it for easiest access then turn it back before you remove it.
Looks like it was off recently, is that a new rack? The dust cover is missing from the top of the pinion.

 

Yes. I bought a new rack on rock auto and had it installed. I don’t remember seeing a dust cover on the new rack. Is it a crucial part?

 

Well yes and no, it keeps dirt and debris off that top seal. Long term might be an issue if you get a lot of sand/dirt in there. Don’t lose sleep over it.

 

Jeebus, don’t just use the spare tire jack and then craw under there if you value your life. But the wheel pretty much has to come off; the upper end of that shaft has a slip joint that you need to loosen and slide up.

Holy rust! That lower pinch bolt has to come all the way out, and you’ll probably need to pry the splines apart a bit. Good luck

 

I don’t have a jack so I was going to use the spare jack. Now that you mention it, I guess it would be pretty sketchy. Damn, I’m trying to avoid taking it to the shop. Could probably find a jack on Facebook marketplace.

 

Then you can come over and help me do mine

 

It's only sketchy if you don't take precaution.
Once the tire is off, place it under the truck.
Under a frame rail, or ideally under the Lower control arm. (But that might be in your way.)
If the truck falls off the jack, it falls on to the tire. It won't smash you and kill you. It will just smash you and hurt. (A lot)

I've built up height with scrap lumber to make up the height difference from tire to frame.

Is it still sketchy? Yes.
But not "as" sketchy.

Sometimes you make due with what you have at hand.

My advice is bad. Take it for what it is.
But there are options and choices.

 

Please don’t get under that truck unless it’s properly supported. It’s just not worth injury or worse, your life.