Lower Steering Shaft

Question, does the Lower Steering Shaft (Part # 999-714) for a 1973 C104 Jeep Commando with Power Steering supposed to have a slide joint in it?

I pulled my lower shaft today since I'm trying to find the slop in my steering, there appears to be a slide joint, but the joint is tack welded in place so what appears to be a 2-part shaft doesn't slide.

If the shaft is supposed to slide, does anybody know where to find a replacement? All I can find online is the lower steering coupler hardware kit that connects the lower shaft to the Saginaw power steering box. If part number 999-714 isn't available, is there another shaft from a CJ or other Jeep vehicle that will work? OIMX Part # 18016.02 looks close, has anybody tried it on a C104 Commando?

I might be able to grind the weld off of the existing shaft, but I want to confirm the weld isn't factory before I try. I'd prefer to purchase a replacement instead of modifying my current.

If part number 999-714 isn't available, is there another shaft from a CJ or other Jeep vehicle that will work?

 

Not factory weld.
Should have been collapse from factory, with nylon rivets that would shear off in accident.

 

You could probably use a CJ shaft, you'll need to check the diameter and # of splines at both ends. I wouldn't use an Omix part in my steering though!