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

 

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.

 

Upper steering column bearing is 3517 .. steering shaft and worm bearings are 3571 .. Steering shaft and worm bearing cups are 3552 and 3553.

 

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

 

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).

 

I bought mine from Mid - Fifty. Also I bet Dennis Carpenter has them and looks like NPD has them too.

 

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

 

Unlike most modern cars, the steering shaft is part of the steering box on our old trucks. This means you cannot easily swap out just the column. There is no rag-joint or U-joint between the steering box and the column/shaft - it is all one piece and the worm gear is pressed on the end of the steering column shaft.

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.

 

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

 

What aftermarket steering wheel are you using now? I would like to change my stock 18 inch one for a little smaller one. If I can find one that looks like it should be in that truck. A 56 F100.

 

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.

 

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

 

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?

 

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

 

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).