Steering Shaft Coupler

[Bluewhale54]

Ladies and Gentlemen ...... HELP

The attached jpg is off the steering shaft coupler on my 63 Plymouth.

I need to un-couple the steering shaft from the steering box and move the shaft out of the way so that I can remove the header and then remove the head bolts and head. Easy job, at least it is supposed to be.

The jpg shows the coupler with a small hole towards the left and a small shiny insert in the coupler. This is intended to hold the shaft to the steering box shaft. Fine. Now I need to remove this thing (technical term) from the coupler so I can separate the two shafts. This thing is not hex, torx or anything else as far as I can find out.

Any idea how I get this thing out? There are two of them, one on each side. I will replace them with a 2.5" nut and bolt so who ever needs to do this job in the future doesn't loose blood, sweat and use language not fit for human or animal ears.

HELP and thanks in advance.

 

[darkhorse]

its a roll pin. get a drift punch and knock it out carefully.

 

[Meep-Meep]

As mentioned, drive out the roll pin with a pin punch. If you're careful you can leave the very last bit of the 1/4" pin in the coupling, which will aid in reassembly. The pin intersects a radius groove in the splined steering shaft and only needs to come out enough to clear it.

 

[bigjimmyl]

good luck on that i had to drill mine out

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

Why can't you loosen the motor mounts and jack the engine up to remove the headers?? I went to the Flaming river joint.

 

[Bluewhale54]

Gentlemen

Thanks for your assistance ... I have never had to dis-assemble the steering shaft before and it is a lot easier that taking out the steering box. Your ideas worked like a charm and HEMI-ITIS you are correct replacing the coupler is probably the long term correct solution and heaven forbid I have to take this apart again I will replace it.

 

[68GTX4SPEED]

Dont replace the pin with a bolt, you may end up like this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBYNbovODbE