ThreeHonks

iTrader: (10)

ok im installing a set of LT headers and the last thing I need to do is remove my steering linkage. I understand that there are only two bolts that hold it together. I got the top bolt out easily and now the bottom one is giving me trouble. It looks like it is slighlty touching the rack and pinion so I can get a socket on it and I still have failed with even a wrench... can anyone walk me throguh this? Help!!!

impaled

breaker bar and maybe some PB blaster. either of those should help you out.

ThreeHonks

iTrader: (10)

ive been spraying it with penetrating grease for a few days now lol and it still wont budge

phirepower

iTrader: (2)

heat it up. They are a pain in the ***, but chances are you're being too gentle smack that bitch around a bit

ThreeHonks

iTrader: (10)

Ill put a torch too it... i have been pretty gentle with it, i didnt want to be too hard on it since it is kinda an important part

ThreeHonks

iTrader: (10)

BTW, does the steering linkage even NEED to come out for a header install on an fbody? I nvever took mine off when I put LT's on my mustang

JB_97ws6TA

iTrader: (6)

Absolutely yes and I would remove spark plugs until you get the header situated in there then reinstall before you torque the header. I made that mistake thinking that I would be careful and I ended up cracking my spark plug and, as I am sure you are well aware of, they are a pain to swap out with LTs installed.

ThreeHonks

iTrader: (10)

I already have my plugs removed, im just gonna get some TR-55s while im in there so I wont have to worry about it later. I just tried to grind a socket down to get the bolt on the linkage and snapped the socket lol

LT1

iTrader: (1)

I didnt remove the steering linkage completely. I just removed the top bolt and moved it to the side.

Fbody4Ever

iTrader: (15)

if the linkage is in a position where the bolt head isn't quite accessible..why not just turn the steering wheel to where you can get a socket on the thing? you don't need to be grinding tools or anything else.. Turn the wheel and realign the linkage, Put a socket on it, fashion a small breaker bar if you need it and loosen the bolt. Good luck.. I hate getting stuck on one bolt.

riceburnerZ28

iTrader: (20)

when I installed my headers I think those bolts were a pita but i used a few extensions and a breaker bar then I used a pry bar .

James Montigny

iTrader: (13)

Removed mine without much issue.
Then again, mine has been out a few times in the last few years for head, header and motor installs LOL

PB Blast and a a good prybar are your friends.
Turn it left or right to get the best angle of attack.

wrd1972

iTrader: (12)

Use a big flat tip screw driver to SPREAD te lower fitting so it will slide up and off. Just pry the thing open a bit.

chavez885

iTrader: (12)

Thats what i did.

the_merv

iTrader: (88)

I never had a prob with mine, maybe yours has seen more weather..

I bought a 24" Extention that comes in handy for ALOT of things..lol

Bad_tx_Z28

iTrader: (3)

not only did i have to remove mine, i had to grind the linkage down a bit and dent one of the primarys a little to get mine to fit.

the_merv

iTrader: (88)

^^LS1 Linkage and Rack, works a whole hell of alot better..

1badzee

iTrader: (12)

Its just one bolt isnt it? ::

James Montigny

iTrader: (13)

One at each end, holds the clamps tight.
You unbolt, then pry the bottom clamp up off the shaft it drives.
The top is then easy to remove. (or you can just flip it up work below it and flip it back down again)

ThreeHonks

iTrader: (10)

thanks for all the help... i got the top bolt off no problem so this header install is waiting on a single bolt to come off lol I'm just gonna try to not be as gentle with it. I'll try to move the linkage up with a crowbar cause if I can get a socket on it, it will be cake. Its not rusted or anything either, it just not in a postition where I can get enough leverage on it with a wrench