Is my steering shaft shot?

[Todd M]

Cleaning up some rust tonight on my recently purchased 2003 TJ and saw cracks and severe rust in the lower intermediate steering shaft.
Pics below
1) what would cause this(cracks)?
2) agree that this needs replaced?
3) is this a DIY or will I need to have this done. Looking at some write ups and it doesn't look like a simple install (mostly due to the bracket holding it in place).
Has anyone done this themselves ?
4) cost estimate?

Thanks!

View attachment 36200 View attachment 36201 View attachment 36202 View attachment 36203 View attachment 36204

 

[Dawghouse]

The area you have circled. It's supposed to have a relief cut there. So when you remove the bolt that runs through that section it will relieve pressure there. This will allow you to remove the steering shaft from the gear box. But further review of your pics I'm not so sure now if that is the relief cut or not. I do see what looks like what is left of a bolt or pin. You can replace it, may want to soak it in some PB first.

 

[Mike_H]

Looks like the powder coating is just cracked to me. I'd still pull it apart, clean up the rust, paint it, and put it back together