In the process of replacing the steering gear and rag joint. I pulled the intermediate shaft out to replace the rag joint, replaced the joint, put the new steering box in and the intermediate shaft is 3 inches too short!! Damn thing collapsed and is now frozen stuck. Anyone ever seen that happen? Any thoughts on how to free it up?

 

Never heard of that. As long as there's not some sort of catch that's designed to hold it in a collapsed state, try clamping a more load bearing type surface in a vise & tap it out with a small hammer. Aside from that...I dunno...

 

Well got a new one out of the junk yard that was in much better shape. Then I proceeded to dissect the old one Looks like there was quite a bit of rust on the shaft. Wound up stretching it back out with the engine hoist, steel rod through the hole to secure it on the bottom and wrapped the hook around the other end. Got that sucker tighter than a guitar string before it let loose. Guess the lesson learned would be to hit the shaft with WD-40 before you compress the shaft. It would seem Murphy has a sense of humor.

 

Sorry to bring this thread back!!!

I had the same problem as OP and until I read this thread I didn't know how I would stretch the shaft back out. I searched but found no answer other than "go get one from the junk yard".

I ended up bolting 1 end to the bottom of the steering col (where it comes through the wall). I put a single chain link through the other end and used the intermediate shaft bolt to hold the link in place. After that a few cranks with the hoist popped that sucker right out!!!

I would have never though of it without this thread! Thanks!!