steering rack install help- cant get universal gear back on

[clydesdale]

Should I disconnect it from the steering column and try to put it on the rack while it is out of the car and then put the whole thing back in and try to reinstall it on the column?. Or should I leave it attached to the column? I have tried spreading it with a screw driver but the damn think wont go down far enough on the rack splines. Thanks

[Hallen]

I didn't have any trouble with mine. I only disconnected it to allow more room to lower the oil pan.

I think I loosened the upper universal joint to allow for some more play. I also didn't have the rack fully mounted so I had some play there to work with.