Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

In the process of getting ready to pull the tub for a frame swap and I'm down to the steering shaft. I've removed the bolt and nut from the knuckle but can't get the shaft to release from it. From what I've read I just need to pull on the steering wheel and the shaft should slide out (without having to unbolt the whole column from the firewall) Is this correct? When I pull on the wheel it moves out maybe 1/2 inch but then springs back into position. meanwhile I can see the shaft and it doesn't move (nor does the knuckle).

I feel like I may be missing something.

What year? 67.5 & earlier have a one piece shaft. 68 & later are 2 piece. The joint @ the steering box can be really tight. After removing the bolt I soaked the joint with Kroil for a couple days, then put a wedge into the split in the joint. Finally used vise grips & a dead blow hammer on the lower shaft to get the shaft free.

Peace,
Pat

it's a '69. I was afraid to split the joint to far so I may try that this weekend. it's soaking in penetrating oil as we speak.

If it's a 2 piece shaft does that change how I pull it free?

So if I'm understanding attach vise grips to shaft then pound on that to pull the shaft free?

Habitat.pat wrote: Thu Apr 08, 2021 6:50 pm What year? 67.5 & earlier have a one piece shaft. 68 & later are 2 piece. The joint @ the steering box can be really tight. After removing the bolt I soaked the joint with Kroil for a couple days, then put a wedge into the split in the joint. Finally used vise grips & a dead blow hammer on the lower shaft to get the shaft free.

Peace,
Pat

That didn't work well, not enough space to get a good swing on the hammer. Continued soaking and we will see what Saturday brings.

I wonder, would anything be gained from pulling the column out and trying to yank the shaft out that way?

You can lift the body without pulling the shaft on a 68 and later. It will slip out. At least it did on mine.

spl310 wrote: Fri Apr 09, 2021 4:38 pm You can lift the body without pulling the shaft on a 68 and later. It will slip out. At least it did on mine.

Really? it just slipped out when you pulled the body? Mine is stuck AF.

It slipped out of the column. Once the body was off the frame, I had to clamp vise grips onto it - HARD - and beat the stew out of the vise grips to get it to come out of the U joint

spl310 wrote: Fri Apr 09, 2021 4:46 pm It slipped out of the column. Once the body was off the frame, I had to clamp vise grips onto it - HARD - and beat the stew out of the vise grips to get it to come out of the U joint

I see now, that might be what I do then. Didn't know or think about it working that way. Thanks!

Happy to help!

spl310 wrote: Fri Apr 09, 2021 5:34 pmHappy to help!

Got the shaft out today. Pulled it from the steering box hookup and it pulled right out with the U joints. Not how I planned it bit worked nonetheless.