Like an idiot, I might have ruined the lower bearing in the steering column. I assumed it was hollow like the Mustang columns and didn't tape up the bearing at the bottom of the steering column when I glass bead blasted it. Should I bust it out and use an aftermarket one anyway with the CV steering setup I'm planning to run, or try to clean it out?

 

2WD: There are three parts: Lower bearing, lower bearing sleeve and the bearing retainer both fit into.

C3DZ3517A .. Steering Column Bearing-Upper/Lower / Available from Ford.

MSRP: $10.48 // FTE Ford Dealer Parts Dept sponsor PARTSGUYED.COM price: $7.69.
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B1AZ3518A .. Steering Column Bearing Sleeve-Upper/Lower / Available from Ford.

MSRP: $9.20 // PARTSGUYED.COM price: $6.68.

The bearing and sleeve are the same as 1965/66 Mustang and fit myriad other 1960/70's car/truck applications.
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C5TZ3D681A .. Lower Bearing Retainer / Use without Bendix P/S / Obsolete

Fits: 1965/66 F100/250 2WD M/S // 1967/72 F100/350 M/S // 1969 F100/350 from serial number D96,001 & 1970/72 F100/350 with Ford P/S.

ANTIQUE AUTO SUPPLY in Arlington TX has 2 = 817-275-2381.

GRIESEL MOTOR CO. in Okarche OK has 2 = 405-263-7242.

DON SANDERSON FORD in Glendale AZ has 10 = 800-595-4839.

Note the new phone number. When I called on the gauge, the P/M answered. It seems the number listed on internet search sites is his direct line.
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C6TZ3D681A .. Lower Bearing Retainer / Use with Bendix P/S / Obsolete

Fits: 1966/68 F100/250 2WD / 1969 F100/250 2WD before serial number D96,001.

GREEN SALES CO. in Cincinnati OH has 2 = 800-543-4959.

 

Is that the number on the bearing at the bottom of the steering column tube?

 

No, that's the part number listed the the parts catalog. The upper/lower bearing isn't marked (as far as I can recall)...dunno if the bearing retainer is marked or not.

But...none would be marked with Ford part numbers, since Ford didn't mark any parts after 1956 that way.

Only casting or ID engineering numbers are marked on parts after 1956...if applicable

The 2A036 gauge is a typical example, it has a C4TF-19 something or other number marked on it.