1989 F250 XLT Lariat 4WD 351W FI

I bought this truck with a toggle switch for the ignition and a push button for the starter. I've used it this way for a few years with no problems. However, on a cold and rainy night I was driving home from work when my truck started cutting out. I reached down and felt the toggle switch and it was burning hot. It seems that I had never ran the wipers and heater at the same time for that long and the little toggle couldn't handle all of that current.

I stopped by the FLAPS and picked up a replacement for the commonly broken actuator. $11. I tore into my column only to find that someone had been there before and hadn't been nice. I have a couple of problems...
1) broken actuator. Not an issue, since I have a replacement on hand and it was expected.
2) broken rod from actuator to ignition switch, the electrical portion on the lower part of the column. It was broken at the bend where it connects to the actuator at the small roll pin. Is this available new?
3) Non-functioning tilt. The wire bale has two small clips from what I can assess. I have the top clip, but not the bottom clip. I assume this keeps the tilt from operating properly since it allows too much movement or flex. Does anyone have thought on this or ideas on finding new clips?
4) Wobbly steering wheel. I expected this to be fixed when I put it all back together and made sure everything was tight. I suppose that this could be worn bearings, but where else should I look? Nothing was obviously worn out.

 

with as much as you have going on in that column, i would go to a junk yard and pick up a good used column and put the new actuator in it, then put the new column in the truck.

 

I agree with tjc transport, save your self some grief

 

I was afraid that would be the response! LOL

I may do just that. I just hate to get used stuff that also has problems with worn components. I would like to be able to isolate the source of the wobble, just to know exactly what is causing it.

 

Yes, but you already have "used stuff that also has problems with worn components."

Give your potential new column a good look see. Even if it is worn it still sounds like it would be better than what you already have. At least you can R&R it if needed without having to replace major components like you'll probably have to do with your existing one.