I was changing the pitman arm. Pulled the steering box down enough to get to the 34mm nut. Now trying to put the steering box back into place to bolt it back up, but the steering shaft won't retract back. Can anyone help with this issue? 2004 Avalanche 1500 Z71

 

Update: I removed the upper shaft. I was able to pound on the end of the shaft (end that connects to the lower) and it little by little retracted. I put a screwdriver through the lower end bolt holes and pulled it out again (with the knuckle between my feet). Greased it good. Tried to slide it in and out as it's supposed to but it barely moves. Had to pound it on the bench top to get it to retract, and pull it with the screwdriver to get it to move back out. It should NOT be this hard, should it?

 

Update #2: FIXED! Took both sections apart from each other. Spines were damaged with large burrs on the ends, Took a file same width as grooves and filed off the burrs. Cleaned up where they are inserted together with the file. Greased it up and it slides like it should.

 

Thanks for the updates!