I have discovered that the forged upper universal joint on intermediate steering shaft (the one that goes from the firewall to the rack) has developed a hairline crack. This allows the shaft to rotate inside the u-joint under heavy loads (i.e. slow parking or when you get too aggressive at the steering stops). Not a good thing, since it is likely to work looser, and eventually quit altogether.

Unlike the lower u-joint which has bolts at the rack and shaft end, the upper u-joint can only be removed at the end of the upper steering shaft - which is just far enough inside the firewall/steering tube to be inaccessible.

The Question: If I remove the steering wheel and the c-clip holding the shaft, is it possible to slid the upper steering shaft foward far enough access the bolt to remove the u-joint? Or do I have to take out the whole steering tube (which looks like a mess).

In either case, the whole thing is hiding behind the brake booster and its going to be a PITA no matter what - its just a matter of degree.

Thanks,

jj

'81 5-speed