Removing Front End - It's Stuck Options

[pjf]

I'm trying to drop the front end of my '76 and could use some help. I tried to search for a step-by-step procedure but couldn't find anything. My search skills are not the greatest but I did try. Does anyone know of such a thread I can look at? I have a short procedure. I've followed it but I must be missing something. I've unbolted the shocks at the top, disconnected the break lines, removed the cross member shroud, removed the master cylinder, and unbolted the steering linkage in the passenger compartment. I've put two jacks under the cross-bar and removed the torsion bar bolts at the front and the two crossmember bolts in the back. I can get the whole assemble to drop about an inch especially after driving the torsion bars back a bit. What seems to be the problem is the steering rack. It looks like its hanging up as it passes through the body. There are several plastic/rubber shrouds around the linkage so its hard to see what's going on. I unbolted a bracket that went across shrouding in the gas tank compartment but its still not budging. It seems that the torsion bars have to go back further to clear the end covers that are fixed to the front and at the same time the steering rack linkage through the body to the passenger compartment wants to go forward. Any ideas or help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Rob-O]

There is a bearing and clamp under the fuel tank. I don't think it should be holding up the removal, but if the rack isn't coming out just right, I imagine it's getting hung up there. I'm with Jerry, if it seems that the steering rack is holding you up, disconnect it. Just two bolts. But of course you'll also have to remove the tie rod ends. Not too tough considering what you've accomplished already.