Header install..HELP

[86pony]

Am just in the process of installing long tubes on my 2000GT..
Not having much fun doing it, but hope it will be worth it in the end.
I have unbolted the steering shaft as per instruction, but find that when i go to pull it off, it is stuck at the bottom...Am i missing something here? It seems as if it should just slide right off....do i need to give it a good beating with a hammer, or can i get the headers on, and the steering shaft back through the headers without removing it completely....
I am installing MAC headers which do not share a common bolting flange,but have individual tubes, and discoverd that one of the tubes was a good 1/2" out of alignment....I would recommend to anyone else who is installing headers of this type to check the alighnment using the gasgets before installing......would have been a real pain in the butt to get them in, only to discover the problem...