I noticed my steering column and shaft are pretty loose right now and have some play in them. I don't know any of the names of these parts so I'll try to explain.

The shaft is moving in two places that I can tell. One is at the firewall where it comes out of the column, I researched some and it seems there is a bearing in there that needs to be replaced? Is that true?

The other is theres a silver part at the opposite end of the shaft that has some play in it as well. Anyone know what this is called?

This looks like it's something that I could fix on my own, I just would like some help from all of you guys that have done this kind of stuff before on these trucks. That way I'll know more of what I'm getting into.

Thanks.

 

What are you working with? Give as much info as you can. There's literally over a dozen different columns.
Year, 2 or 4 WD, auto, 3 spd., 4 spd. w/ or w/o tilt all these make a difference in which column you have. On some parts you'll also need the truck's serial number to get the correct parts

 

Go to Wildhorses 4x4 website. They have exploded diagrams of the steering columns. In those diagrams, you should be able to find the names of the parts you want. The guys there should be able to help you with the parts too.

 

The truck is a 79 F250, 4x4, manual 4 spd, with a NON tilt column.

I'm going to put up some pics later today of the thing. It has a lot of play where the shaft comes out of the column near the firewall and also where the shaft goes into the steering gear box. There is a silver piece that is a couple inches long that has the play in it. I have no idea what it is called.

Thanks for the replies, I'll get some pics up and hopefully that will help show what I need.

 

Here is the exploded diagram of your steering column from The Ford parts catalog.
Click on the .pdf link to view.

 

Here are some pics of what I'm talking about. There is a lot of play by the u-joint at the firewall and also some play at the end by the gearbox. I have circled them in red, where do I go from here to start fixing it?

Here is the part in front of the gear box that I'm wondering about.


When I grab the joint and shaft I can move it up and down while the black part of the column stays still.


And I know how everyone likes looking at these old trucks, so here is one of it.

 

The second I read 1979 F250 4WD, I didn't need to look at any parts catalog pic. From experience, I knew that the OP needs:

D8TZ-3B676-B .. Lower Steering Shaft and Coupler Assy. Note: ONE PIECE ASSEMBLY, FoMoCo never supplied any parts for it.

Applications: 1978/79 F250 4WD, 1979 F350 4WD. Use with/without tilt wheel. It's obsolete, next to no one will have it. So he'll need to replace it w/a Borgeson shaft.

btw: Many peeps are unaware that the tilt wheel feature is operated by the turn signal handle. Gently press it forward, if it has tilt: BOING! If no tilt, you cannot press the turn signal handle forward.

AMC/ChryCo/GM tilt wheels have a separate steering column lever to operate the tilt, it's just below the turn signal handle.

 

Numberdummy, so you are saying I need to get an entire new steering shaft? Like this for example: Lower Steering Shaft, Power 1978 - 79

I was thinking there was a bearing at the bottom of the column that the shaft comes out of that goes bad? That sucks if I need an entire new shaft, would I be okay with finding one out of a junkyard? I know of several that have these in their yards for 75 bucks.

I also can't find the rag joint at any parts store. Where can I get a new one?

Thanks for your help so far.

 

I dunno if you need 3B676 or just 3D681 (or both). You'll have to find that out.

3B676: Considering it's a one piece assembly, cannot be taken apart, FoMoCo never supplied any parts for it, you have to replace the whole enchilada. It's obsolete, dunno if anyone has any or not, will take a look-see.

Edit:: I have bad news and good news: The bad news is: D8TZ-3B676-B = Last MSRP: $509.32 (!!), dealer net cost: $305.59.

The good news is: FORD AUTO dba FORD PARTS ONLY in Bayamon Puerto Rico has ONE = 787-786-9180 / More bad news: No other Ford Dealer, no obsolete parts vendor has any.

Borgeson makes a replacement, dunno anything about it, or what it costs.

Does your 1979 F250 4WD have a rag joint (steel/rubber coupler)? If it does, it's the only one on the planet. I don't see any in the pics you posted.

Mike posted the 1978/79 F150/350 4WD truck parts catalog "it's a generic illustration." What's shown for all in the illustration, may only be listed for some in the text section.

Rag joint (basic part number 3A525 shown in pic) only listed in the text section of the truck parts catalog for 1978/79 F150 4WD (same listed for 1978/79 Bronco's in the car parts catalog).

D3TZ-3D681-A .. Lower Steering Column Bearing Retainer Assy / Obsolete / No Ford Dealer or obsolete parts vendor has any.

Applications: 1973 F100/250 4WD from serial number S40,001 / 1974/79 F100/250 2WD / 1978/79 F100/350 2WD.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
F23Z-3517-B (replaced C3AZ-3517-A, C7SZ-3517-D & E1FZ-3517-B) .. Lower Steering Column Bearing / Obsolete / 100's available NOS.

Applications: 1981/97 Escort/Lynx / 1984/97 Tempo/Topaz / Myriad 1960/70's Passenger Cars and F100/350's.

 

So it's looking like I'm SOL with my current shaft then, don't you think?

Looks like my two options are either:

1) A junk yard shaft or

2) A Borgeson replacement
Which one of these would I need? http://www.borgeson.com/xcart/catalo...-p-1-c-46.html

Since 3D681 is obsolete does that mean I have to try and find a good one out of junk yard? Meaning it would be a good idea to just take the column and shaft? Or can I get those parts from the aftermarket if I go with the Borgeson shaft?

Which should I go with guys? I'm sorry for all the questions, I can turn wrenchs, I've tackled some bigger projects then this. I just don't know where and how to get these parts and what exactly I need.

Thanks for your help NumberDummy, you have been a big help so far.

 

From their website it looks like either of these shafts will work. The more expensive shaft has a vibration damper built into it. Other than that they look the same.

 

There's only a 40 dollar difference, it might be worthwhile. I'm going to call the place on monday.

Still if I get this shaft, it probably won't help the looseness at the column? Unless they have a parts kit for it. Am I going to have to get a junk yard column and the borgeson shaft with it?

 

FYI I installed Borgeson Universal Company :: Ford Truck 1970-04 :: 70-'79 Full Size Ford Truck on my pickup and my horn didn't work any more. The vibration damper electrically isolates the horn circuit.

 

The 3D681 bearing retainer assy is not part of the lower steering shaft and coupler, it's actually located above it. Look at the pic Mike posted. Do you need the entire bearing retainer, or just the bearing?

Both parts are obsolete, but either myself or Mike can find you the F23Z-3517-B bearing NOS

 

I guess I'll just get the shaft with out it then.

NumberDummy, I haven't taken it apart, so I'm not sure what exactly it needs. I would imagine all that is wrong is the bearing, it would probably be best to replace it all, right? Would this bearing be what I need if that is what is bad? or Should I have you look me up one from Ford? Column Bearing, Lower

And also the rag joint? Steering Shaft Rag Joint

A big question is about part D8TZ-3B676-B if I buy the Borgeson shaft, will the new shaft replace this part it is no longer needed? Mine is bad and it seems like getting one will be very expensive and hard to get, unless I get a junkyard shaft that is good.

Sorry for so many questions, I want to do this on my own instead of take it in somewhere.