I learned along time ago not to take anything apart without having a clue on how to put it back together, so I'm going to ask for help BEFORE I get into trouble.
I have a 78 Bronco with a non-tilt steering column. When driving down the road it vibrates and squeaks like crazy. I can stop the noise if I hold a death grip on the wheel, but that's just no way to drive... The slop seems to be in the section of the column where the shifter is (did I mention that it's an auto?). There seems to be about 1/4" of play in that section of the column.
Any suggestions on where to start?

 

If you have power steering some of that noise is probably coming from the pump. Check and make sure none of the lines are rubbing the steering shaft or box as well. If you have a rag joint part of your play is probably there. Also check your steering box bolts and make sure it's securely bolted to the frame.

 

Sounds like a worn upper column bearing...

Column Bearing, Upper

 

How much of a headache is that to replace?

 

Only one upper bearing is shown, which one is it, since there were two?

D4TZ-3517-A .. Upper Steering Column Bearing-Use with Fixed Wheel.

F23Z-3517-B .. (replaced E1FZ-3517-B & C7SZ-3517-D) .. Upper Steering Column Bearing-Use with Tilt Wheel.

 

Sorry, I didn't mean to skip past your answer. As far as the steering goes, everything under the hood is new.
With the engine off I can wiggle the column around and hear the creaking from where I described in the column. I just don't want to rip it apart yet until I know what I'm getting into.
I'm probably doing a pooor job of explaining myself, I threw out my back again and am sitting on the couch loaded up on doctors dope

 

Depends on your skill set, one guys "headache" is another guys "walk in the park", but in all honesty it's not that difficult, of course, you'll need to tear down the steering column, but it's pretty self explanatory once you get into it.



The OP stated he had a non-tilt column so that's the bearing i linked to.

 

My skill set depends on the day. I've done head gaskets in this thing in an hour flat and had oil changes go horribly wrong. Anyone know of a write up on this or have a blow up of the column? I need a new clockspring too, so this is going to have to happen.

 

This isn't your specific steering column but it will give you a general idea...

http://broncograveyard.com/images/ad...ltstrgclmn.jpg

 

Found the time and the nerve to tear into the steering column today. After pulling it apart I discovered that I do have a tilt column . The mechanism was just frozen.
It appears that most of the play where the steering wheel adaptor fit over the splined shaft. I'm hoping that packing that with grease will help.

The next question is: There was a small amount of play in the bearing. Not much movement, but enough to see and hear when I wiggled things. Is this normal or should it be replaced?

 

It's normal to have some play as the bearing wears over time, i'm sure you'd be just fine leaving it as is, but since the column's already tore down there's certainly no harm in replacing it. (other than to your wallet)