When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I agree with "qman". It's not too dificult to remove the steering column, but it does require patience and attention if you are new to this. I have a 72 F-100 (bought it about 9 mos ago) and recently had to replace my column for the same reason. It'll take much longer to get it out than you think, but goes back much easier as well. Good luck.
I have replaced the shifting tube in my 1967 F100, easy to do the only part that give my trouble was not knowing the direction to take out the old tube (push it out from the bottom to the top) be sure to check the bearing as indicated by qman.