I didn't want to damage my old guide rod with a fork so I put a rod and axle on the guide with a weld clamp to get the tapered bolt out of the hole after soaking it in penetrating oil. I had to scrape metal shavings from the RE shaft threads to get free movement. Be prepared to cuss a little as you drill the 5/8 inch hole. You will need a good drill bit and preferably a 1/2 inch drill press. Don't try to pull the metal out, you have to let the drill slowly cut through the metal at low speed. Compressing the coil springs should give you the clearance you need to mount the drill around the steering and axle.