Steering coupler

[usraptr]

I'm in the process of disassembling my steering column for restoration.  I've been following the article on http://www.moparmusclemagazine.com/techarticles/suspension/mopp_0308_rebuilding_steering_column/ and the excellent write up on http://ron.peterro.com/?p=20
I've got the column completely disassembled except for the steering coupler.  It appears that when you remove the drift pin that it should slide out of the housing per the above instructions.  But mine does not.  It's stuck.  I did notice a spring type clip holding the shoes in place.  Do I need to removed the spring clip first and if so how do I do that?  So far I haven't tried to force it off as I wanted to make sure I'm not missing something first.  Advice would be greatly appreciated.
thanks
Brad

[burdar]

The only thing holding the shoes and spring clip inside the coupler is a little pin.  It's at the end of the coupler.(towards the firewall)  You can get a little rough with it if you have to.  The large pin in the bottom of the steering shaft is hardened and you won't hurt it.  I forced the coupler apart on my Dart.  The shoes broke in half.  I had to reuse the original spring clip because the replacement was too tall for some reason.  Don't throw any parts out until it's all back together.

[Chryco Psycho]

I used a rolling head pry bar to go inside the coupler & pry the pin as far up as possible , yours may be hangin up due to not being all the way out ,

[usraptr]

Thanks, I got it out.   Just took a little more elbow grease than I was originally using.  All the grease had dried up and was causing it to hang up.