Bushing off the linkage on the gear selector disconnected so you can remove the complete column? Yes that is a PITA to get off or on. You are going to need more that a trim removal tool. More like a #4 flat tip. If you think getting the old one out...try a new one in...sometimes you have to disconnect it at the other end. (transmission) and leave #7341 alone.

If the smooth collar on the other side of the nut is spinning, grab it with some vice grips. I'd remove the 12 pt bolt, remove the rubber boot hdwr, get the column ready to pull out, by disconnecting it at the spline point on the input shaft of the steering box. 1 Elec connector and the 2 nuts under the dash and pull the column.

Way easier to replace the flex (rag) joint and end bearing with it on the work bench.

 

Deleted....

 

Deleted...

 

That really helped!I got it off with the bushing and linkage still attached. Sorry to bother you once more, but I am trying to get this part off so I can remove the shift tube... I believe from your diagrams it may be the bearing? I am not sure but having a hell of a time getting it out. Tried to wedge a screwdriver in there between it and the shift arm but to no avail. I also dented the column while trying to do this.. guess I didn't have a good enough grip on my vice. So basically, is this the bearing? How do I get it out? I ordered one of those replacements you posted, so when I take it out, do I just leave it and put the new machined heavy duty one in?

 

At the end of the steering column, is a snap in place cover. Once that is out (should) be a bearing, see if you can screw a couple of sheet metal screws (across from each other) in the bearing and use them like a puller. It has been quite a while since I have dug into a steering column, but I know a guy to ask that just did the end bearing upgrade. yes his a 4wd but the end of the column is the same 2wd 4wd.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-upgrades.html

Remove the old one and replace with the new one.

Ok so I talked to Mike and the plastic end piece (held in with the plastic tabs) is the only end piece that needs to come out. Take a flat tip screwdriver and tap in on the plastic tabs. It is ok to break the plastic end piece if you have to, you are replacing it anyway. Then install the new bearing you ordered, it is held in with 3? short screws.

 

thank you Rich! of course I'm still wrong though

 

I know this above reply to Fordrealdrive (Chris) is just wrong, because it does not help Aggietrucks at all with the problem at hand, and it is an uncalled for statement.

End of that discussion, lets help Aggietrucks get that lower bearing out and replaced and be civil to fellow FTE members please.

 

respect is a 2 way street.
I'll add this as well.
don't chastise me for helping the OP and than being told I was wrong when I clearly was not and calling that person out from their soap box.
I'm out

 

Deleted...

 

I see rag joints often maligned by some .... but unless it's in rotting tatters, it is a pretty good working flex joint in allowing rotation in a slight angle between shafts and length wise compression or extension if small in nature. They often have a couple of pins to act as "fail safe" mechanisms too. Easy to replace, not near as "loosie goosy" as the term implies. It's the often hard to source U-joints that are often harder to R&R.

 

So sorry for the late reply, my son just came home from the NICU and as can be expected, it has been a busy week... I am trying in my spare time to get the "snap in place cover" out, I have tried wedging a flathead between the bearing and linkage in the small gaps between and trying to wedge it out. No avail. I put it in the wrong vice grip and when I hit it, the column slipped out and I dented the end as well . So that will have to be fixed...

There are four of the pieces of the cover that looks like they hold it in at the end but they are very secure to the column I have tried prying it apart. It is not happening. I am sorry to drag this thread on but need advise. I will do the screw trick when I get to the bearing though.

Also, When I put the new bearing on, do I need to put that cover back? Do they sell a new one?



The four parts I am assuming holding the cover in place Ignore how I accidentally bent the end.

How I am trying to drive them out...

 

Time out, are you trying to remove that shift arm to get to something BEHIND it? The new nearing should go in/on the end and then you should be done with it. Unless I am really confused. The bearing (should) replace the complete plastic end cap, you replace that with the new bearing assembly and no need for the end cap.

 

Okay I guess we got sidetracked with the bearing replacement I dove into this because I need to replace the shift tube. The tube is inside the column shifter but I am unable to remove it. In order to do so, I have to get this part out right? I am very confused. In the last picture I poster it looks like there Are two things sandwiching the shift linkage together. The one closest to the end of the column I am assuming is the bearing (maybe I am wrong) but I am unable to get it out since there s something inside that has four pieces of metal clinging to the inside of the column.

I tried to take a picture of it, it is one of the two in my last post. What is this called? How do I remove it? And if I replace the bearing with the aftermarket one I bought in what order do I reassemble it? Because if I bolt the new bearing in, it looks like the linkage will not be held tightly together and will be loose vertically? If that makes sense. So I guess I am asking multiple questions. I am sorry. I also ordered a new lower bushing. It is plastic, do I still need this part if I put the upgraded bearing in?



If I bolt this on, wouldn't there be play in the linkage since there would be nothing to sandwich it together?

What is this part? Is it holding a bearing in?

 

Well I am doing some investigating and might even have to figure out how to take apart a spare steering (auto) column. Maybe more help tomorrow for ya. How is the son, hope all is well.

 

Ok so I went to the parts shed and grabbed a spare/old steering column that was for the most part (on the steering wheel end) taken apart.

1. I slide the center steering column shaft all the way out. And notice the plastic piece that snaps in place in the end of the column in the pic.
2. I then removed/slid the shift tube up a bit.
3. Yes that let me remove the trans shift lever. Also note that the shift tube is keyed or aligned with the trans shift lever. Make note of the positioning of each piece before you take it apart.
4. Yes there is a tab welded on the end of the shift tube. I believe that was the original problem?

So to replace the white plastic end piece with the new bearing, (with the shaft totally removed), remove the white plastic piece off the steering column center shaft. Then just slide the new bearing all the way down. Reinstall the steering column center shaft. Get the tab tack welded on the shift tube, reinstall it in it correct place with the trans shift lever. Let me know if I am way off base.

Pay no mind to the other stuff on the work bench.



All that STAYS in there.