Hello, I’m new to the ranger and am planning on removing the intermediate steering shaft so that I can remove and replace the rivets and broken rag joints with new hardware and rag joints. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to remove the shaft? Do I need to remove the steering box so that I can pull the intermediate shaft down and out forward? I’ve read that you don’t have to but I’m confused as to how?

thank you so much!
I have a 1994 XLT 2WD 3.0L



What is this part called? I believe it has dropped down out of place and is causing slop in the steering shaft. The plastic coil thing I’m referring to above the rag joint is also cracked.