stock steering column
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Joined: Sep 2011
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stock steering column
I have a stock steering column in my 55 f100. the only problem with this column is I can move the inner steering shaft around. The truck steering wheel still steers but the movement of the inner shaft is concerning. Is there a way to fix this or should I go to another column?
Thanks
Jerry
Thanks
Jerry
FTE fan
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: paradise, northern calif.
Hi Jerry, I don't know anything about the steering column on a F100 but on an F1 there is a bushing and or bearing that centers the shaft in the tube just below the steering wheel. I don't have a book for yours but Im sure a F100 guy will be along shortly.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Simi Valley, CA
I have a stock steering column in my 55 f100. the only problem with this column is I can move the inner steering shaft around. The truck steering wheel still steers but the movement of the inner shaft is concerning. Is there a way to fix this or should I go to another column?
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The upper bearing you described can it be still be found? I will look at steering column while the steering wheel is off. Also any good ideas on cheap replacement from newer cars or vans? This is a floor shifted truck. And keeping the key on dash board is cool.
thank
Jerry
thank
Jerry
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
C3DZ-3517-A (replaced 21A-3517) .. Steering Column Bearing / Available from Ford & repro parts sellers.
Misc. applications: 1942/48 Ford/Merc Passenger Cars (upper) / 1948/56 F1/F6/F100/F600 (upper) / 1961/73 F100/250 2WD (upper & lower) / 1965/66 Mustang (upper).
1966/77 Bronco (upper & lower) / 1967/73 F350 (upper & lower).
Misc. applications: 1942/48 Ford/Merc Passenger Cars (upper) / 1948/56 F1/F6/F100/F600 (upper) / 1961/73 F100/250 2WD (upper & lower) / 1965/66 Mustang (upper).
1966/77 Bronco (upper & lower) / 1967/73 F350 (upper & lower).
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,835
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From: Mason City, Iowa
The upper bearing you described can it be still be found? I will look at steering column while the steering wheel is off. Also any good ideas on cheap replacement from newer cars or vans? This is a floor shifted truck. And keeping the key on dash board is cool.
thank
Jerry
thank
Jerry
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Thanks for all the information. Has anyone replaced these bearings? I would like to keep the old steering column. I am also thinking of putting in a newer column but don't know how to measure and what column will fit. I really don't want to spend big bucks on a idit column. Any ideas? I am running a 292 v8 floor shifted with the stock axle.
Thanks
Jerryst
Thanks
Jerryst
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 322
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From: FL
This doesn't mean you couldn't cut off the shaft where it comes out of the box and adapt a U-joint and then use a later column, but without changing the box, it seems almost counter-productive...
Replacing those upper bearing/bushings isn't too hard - probably the most challenging thing will be getting the steering wheel off and digging out what's left of the old one.
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I am going to buy the upper bearing for my ford steering column. The steering wheel I have on there now is a aftermarket one. The way the diagram looks in the previous posts I can remove the upper bearing. I am going to start with the lesser of two evils. If not I will probably put in a new column.
Thanks
Jerry
Thanks
Jerry
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Mason City, Iowa
I am going to buy the upper bearing for my ford steering column. The steering wheel I have on there now is a aftermarket one. The way the diagram looks in the previous posts I can remove the upper bearing. I am going to start with the lesser of two evils. If not I will probably put in a new column.
Thanks
Jerry
Thanks
Jerry
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
Are you using the stock column with a non stock steering box like Toyota, rack and pinion, or ? If it has been cut off the original steering box, a lower shaft bushing and floor mount must be added to stabilize the shaft in the jacket and the outer cover at the floor or the shaft will wobble.If you are not sure look at the column on the engine side of the firewall for a U joint, rag joint, or coupler between the column shaft and box. The OEM steering shaft goes directly into the box and the horn wire goes thru the shaft and out of the opposite side of box. If you need a lower centering bushing and or a floor mount Mid Fifty sells both. I have never seen a worn out top bearing/bushing, it is a slow moving no load shaft that should not wear very fast unless it was disassembled and improperly reassembled.or home modified (badly) to mount the replacement steering wheel.
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The steering column in my truck is original. As far as I know it was never out or rebuilt. I am like Axracer I never heard of a bearing going out. The column has a turn signal indicator on the left side of the column. When you take the grant gt wheel off it looks like someone updated the steering shaft so you can bolt on a newer wheel. I am tempted to update my column to a newer style. Or fix my stock column. Anyone know a low buck column that would work on this truck . And what year make and what other parts I need to get when I go junk yard shopping. Or ebay trolling. Also this is a floor shifted three speed. and if the ignition is on the dash that's ok.
Thanks
Jerry
Thanks
Jerry
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 322
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From: FL
As I mentioned before, you cannot just swap out the column without also changing the steering box...or are you trying to say something else and I'm misunderstanding you?
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Hi FlatErnie. What I was trying to say is if I have to replace column and box with more modern pieces. What can I use? I just pulled the aftermarket steering wheel off. I think the previous owner updated it with signal indicator switch and mounting pad for the new steering wheel. I am taking a guess if I pull these off I will find they didnt put the upper bearing back in.
I just wanted to get my ducks in a row if I have to put in a new column and steering box. I am confused on what will work on these trucks. I have never done a steering column and box swap.
Thanks
Jerry
I just wanted to get my ducks in a row if I have to put in a new column and steering box. I am confused on what will work on these trucks. I have never done a steering column and box swap.
Thanks
Jerry
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Thru 1964, the steering shaft go directly into the gear box.
Beginning 1965 F100/250 2WD, the steering shaft connects to the input shaft of the steering gear box with a steering coupler (aka rag joint).
Beginning 1965 F100/250 2WD, the steering shaft connects to the input shaft of the steering gear box with a steering coupler (aka rag joint).