a question for my new mechanical friends : i thought i was about to finish up a head job on this charity work when i found i no longer had room to install the exhaust manifold, rather than removing the head again i found i could remove the steering shaft but i cant seem to figure out that white plastic piece that joins the upper shaft to the flex joint shaft or if i even have enough room axially to disengage the splines . 1997 4.3 blazer any suggestions would be greatly appreaciated . kpzrx

 

It may take some force, but the shaft should compress allowing it to disengage from the splines on the gear box.

 

do you think ill still have room to swivel that shaft up and out of the way far enough to install that manifold ? again thanks for the help