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The wires were cut and an aftermarket T/S was used when I got it, but my donor truck(68 Manual Transmission 2WD) has the T/S switch and connectors. I pulled apart the project steering column and set the parts in order of reassembly. I was only needing the turn signal switch from the donor column. When I pulled apart the donor column, there was a nylon sleeve which the project column didn't have. I am looking at the diagram and am not sure what is what. The upper bearing is still in the column and I have the following parts. I know where the horn brush, spring and nut go.
In the diagram is
3518 the metal sleeve and 3517 the nylon sleeve?
I figure the metal sleeve fits into the bearing. Is the nylon sleeve supposed to fit inside of the metal sleeve?
You should only need one of them collars if I remember right. I think you may be trying to use more parts then needed. The diagram might be the bearing or sleeve your seeing hard to tell on my phone. Check out this link to my column rebuild hope it clears things up. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...uild-some.html
Nice snake. I really like that color you chose for your column. Your link is the one that I was looking through earlier today, but didn't see either the metal or nylon bushing used. I am thinking one of those is for the lower shaft bearing on my donor column since the upper and lower bearing look identical.
So with the upper bearing already in the column, I would install the parts in the following order?
Metal or nylon sleeve/collar against the bearing
T/S switch
Keeper plate
Spring and brush
Wheel
The extra piece must be for the 2wd column. They use the same upper and lower bearings where as the 4x4 has different upper and lowers. Sounds like you got the order right. Some pics may be missing but here's what I have.
Bearing retainer and bearing
Bearing hold down and turn signal switch
Taper collar and spring, horn brush, wheel, nut.....
Another view as it would be on bottom side of steering wheel
That last picture shows what I needed to see. Thanks.
My lower bearing looks like it was modified by a PO. The bottom of the column has a welded flat insert in it and a needle roller bearing fits into it. Its about an inch long bearing.
Once I got it all together, there is no play on either end of the column.
Glad I could help another member on there column rebuild. Definitely sounds like your column has been messed with. Most likely repaired from rust damage to lower bearing seat or from being broke somehow. As long as there's no wiggle play in the shaft your fine bearing is doing it's job. Only down side is finding out what kind if bearing you'll need when it comes time to replace it since it's not a stock part unless you can read what part number is on the bearing. Just for reference here's how the lower bearing and seat should look like.
