Yep. Thats why I want to go to a splined system all the way through in the off-season. As it is now, the lower 2/3 is welded, so nothing is replaceable there either...bend the 3rd/short shaft to the rack or get some play in the u-joint and you need to replace the lower 2/3 assembly to the tune of $145.00.
I'm envisioning a system where both ends of each shaft are splined, with splined u-joints and a lock bolt (like the joint to the steering gear)...
Anyone foresee a problem with this type of system? You could replace any component seperately, and not need to deal with welding...