Flying Squirrel

Wow thanks for the response. I did not replace the the steering shaft, with the u joints. Is that is what you referred to as the steering extension? I was able to slip the lower Ujoint over the the bottom shaft but at the expense of leaving little purchase on the upper shaft. Thanks again

*Edit* im curious if I have the wrong steering shaft after a recent repair. Would anybody be willing to measure their steering shaft length between the two U joints? I have a 98 Legacy Outback but would be interested to find the length of a regular Legacy as well. Mine measured out just shy of 3” about 2-3/4”. TIA Hi all, New to the forum, recently got a 98 Outback. My first Subaru and although it came with a lot of problems I like the vehicle. The engine crossmember had been damaged when I got it. It still drove straight but needed replacement. I found a used one at a local junkyard. I replaced it today in an “oh my god what did I get myself into” experience. That being said it was pretty straightforward except for one problem when everything was back together I couldn’t get the steering shaft to reach the rack. The shaft has two small “u-joints” with splines on its ends. To remove the rack I loosened the lower pinch bolt only. When reinstalling I had to loosen the upper pinch bolt and pull it further out on the splines , but now it’s barely on the the upper splines it was the only way it could reach. I really don’t like that there is so little purchase on the upper splines am I missing something? Is there a slip yolk in the steering shaft I’m missing? Any advice would be appreciated I don’t feel comfortable driving the car like this. thanks!