How do I remove Steering Linkage

[NachaLuva]

I'm trying to get a few steering linkages to play around with for my lift kit from a wrecker. After I've undone the top & bottom clamp bolts, I just cant remove the linkage (the bit between the steering column where it pokes out from the firewall & the steering rack). Just wont budge. I've tried it on 3 different cars now.

How do I remove the linkage? Do I have to drop the front crossmember/rack?

 

[Davidov]

See if you can get a large screwdriver from the top and try and hammer the steering column end down if you can. Also lots of lube and maybe some heat if possible. I think the way I did it was to unbolt the steering column and pull on it from inside the car. Just be careful not to pull on or knock around the steering wheel or it will bust the clockspring.