steering coupler removal

The coupler uses a roll pin and only goes in and out through the side that has a cup to the hole. Also hammering on it is pretty hard on the input shaft and seal. On a box that I plan on keeping I block the shaft on the underside. Then I use a large pry bar to slide off the coupler, not a hammer. I use large channel locks to install the pin. Done this a gazillion times over the last 40 years especially with the 150+ cars I've parted out but mostly desert cars and even then can be tough to do. I can see how rust belt cars could a real chore.