I'm in the process of rebuilding the top of the steering column on my 1977 F250 auto transmission. Is there supposed to be some sort of rubber boot where the shift lever enters the column?

I haven't been able to find anything on the usual shopping sites. I ordered this from Dennis Carpenter, but I'm not sure it's quite right… Gear Shift Insulator | Dennis Carpenter Ford Restoration Parts

Any ideas?

 

Yes, and it looks like you ordered the right thing.

 

X2 on yes and yes, so you should be good to go. part #7246

 

Look closely for cracks ..... that collar you have looks like a veteran.

 

Yes support the collar very well when you go to drive the pin out, it is cast pot metal and will break very easy.

 

CORRECT picture:

 

Thanks everybody!

I've been worried about getting that pin out. I contemplated buying a new collar when I ordered the tube flange (the little ears that the shift lock out plate sits between were broken).

All the parts are here. Fingers crossed. I need to get the bearing out of the old flange and deal with the roll pin.

 

Success! Thanks again. I wrestled that bit of rubber onto the end of the gear select lever and managed to get the roll pin out and back in without breaking anything.

This series of 3 youtube videos was also very helpful:
WILD HORSES 66-77 Bronco Steering Column Shift Collar Repair

Just like in part 3 of the Wild Horses video, the shaft needed to be messed with under the hood to get the collar to slide all the way down to its proper place on the steering column. The steering shaft (not ever sure what the proper name is) in my truck has a crazy amount of slop front-to-back. Is that normal?

Steering on this beast is a challenge at best and dangerous at worst. I've been considering taking the plunge on something like the Benchwork Systems replacement for the ram assist 1967 ? 1977 Ford F-250 (HI-Boy) 4×4 Power Steering Conversion | Benchwork Steering Systems, but I don't know how well the p/s is supposed to work when stock in these trucks.

There is a white plastic looking part that goes into the tube coming from the firewall right before a coupler. This has a little clip on it (maybe a matching pair on the underside too?). Is that little clip supposed to keep the entire shaft properly positioned? Should I buy a new one of those? Does anyone know what it's called?

Here is a picture of this part and the other end of the shaft where it goes into the power steering system. You can see the rubber boot is just there for looks…

 

I have not read any real good reports about the Benchworks conversion, I have heard of one FTE member installing it, and then removing it.

You can get a new white plastic collar and the bearing up inside that. You can ck out Flaming River Flaming River - Classic Auto Parts - Vintage Automobile Steering Components - Steering Accessories - Electrical Components and get a new u joint coupler and or I have heard you can take the input part of the steering shaft apart and flip a washer inside there that gets worn out to take up some slack.

Or ck out a complete new Borgeson steering shaft. Borgeson Universal Steering Components
Measure X3 and cut X1.