I have removed the bolt at the bottom that tightens the rag joint to the steering gear input shaft. I cannot get the shaft to lift off the steering gear though. I have searched and it just says to lift shaft towards firewall and is should lift out, mine desnt move enough towards the fire wall to come all the way off the steering gear, what am i missing ?

 

Tried a pry bar?
You installing a Cherokee shaft?

how to remove the steering knuckle on a GMC sonoma - YouTube

 

It's a little tough. The grease gets old and dried out. Just pry a little with a large screwdriver or an actual pry bar.

 

I have pryed on it still won move enough, I am just trying to move it to put the exhaust manifold on.

 

Once you pushed it as far as you can towards the firewall...pull it the other way as far as it will go. Might try a spray lube on the shaft and then try pushing it again. Probably have to do this a couple of times to get it to free-up and go far enough.