Intermediate shaft
 

HI all
I just bought a 2001 4wd and i want to replace the intermediate shaft and rag joint. I took the bolt out of the rag joint today but I could only move the shaft about 1/4 inch up the splines.
It seems like it is hanging up at the other end at the firewall, which is very sloppy and the reason i am replacing it. Do i just have to pry harder or am I missing something$

Wes

I've had good luck placing a small pry or a large flat head screwdriver tip at the end where it mates to the input shaft of the steering box, after you remove that bolt. Prying it away from the gearbox will usually make it slip off with a little persuasion.

Thanks for the reply.
ok I took the air box off again and i found the rag joint was cocking after moving about 1/4 inch. I used 2 pry bars and it slipped right off but I still could not remove it. I had to take
the air valve and pipe off of the exhaust manifold and then there was plenty of room. I put on a dorman shaft I found on partsgeek for about $210.00. Much better but I think will adjust
the gearbox a little more.

Ok I followed the advice of someone on this site and tightened the steering gear adjuster until it would not return to center on a road test. Then backed it off about 1/8 turn and now it does return to center
after turning. So much better than when I drove it home. It's still not perfect though. There is about 1 inch of steering wheel free play when driving straight ahead. I think it is in the column. Has anyone taken apart a tilt steering column and replced the sphere joint?