steering

I apologize if this is in the wrong thread - I could not find one specific to steering. Has anyone every pulled apart the U joints on the Cobalt steering shaft? I’d like to powder coat it, but don’t want to heat those cross bearings up when I go to cure it Ive never seen this type of cross...

I have an '06 supercharged donor which has the early model clutch pedal. Upon installing the pedal there seems to be a geometry/clearance issue with the steering shaft. Are there recommended solutions or am I missing something?