I'm having difficulty replacing the steering shaft bellows on my 98 E300. I can't figure how to remove the universal joint on the steering shaft. Are you supposed to be able to slide the U joint either up the shaft toward the firewall or down the shaft toward the steering box?

It seems I only have about 1/4" to move the joint up because the joint hits the upper shaft. Essentially the same issue trying to move it down.

I'm just looking to replace a split bellows. Am I missing something that makes this a simpler job than it appears?

Am I going to have to lower the rack & pinion assy?