Unfortunately I'm not on my own computer since I have a great photo of a BBB Skylark steering shaft laying on a light-colored surface. That would make it much easier to explain what I'm talking about. Well, let's see what we can do with what we have... The Skylark steering shaft is essentially a steel rod that attaches to the steering column shaft stub and the lower end attaches to the rag joint at the steering box. The job of the rag joint is to isolate the driver from irregularities in the road surface (I think). Am I doing OK so far? The upper end of the shaft has sort of a cup-shaped assembly attached to it. I believe the the "cup-shaped" assembly is sort of a shock absorber??? I'm just guessing here... Here's why I'm asking: Some of the responses to my question (See: https://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/sbb-steering-shaft-removal.375013/ ) include compressing the upper end of the steering shaft (including the cup-shaped assembly). My question is: Does compressing the cup-shaped assembly damage it in any way? Or will the assembly continue to operate as designed? Thanks in advance for your answers.
There's a certain amount of in and out play where that rubber boot is on the intermediate shaft. So once you remove the two bolts at the rag joint, pull the intermediate shaft back a little to clear the bolts and then slide it off the splines on the other end. The splines put up a fight. I try and get in the end with a pry bar and spread it open a little. That and alot of Kroik or wd 40
