Steering part name??

[derek7871]

I replaced my steering column rag joint about 2 years ago with one of the good ones from NPD. While doing that, I noticed a lot of wear on the end of the steering column. Fast forward to today.....while parking it ('68 F100, 4X2, manual steering) this evening I noticed the same clunk in the steering that it did when the rag joint was bad. I was going to work, so I only had time for a quick look under the hood. The rag joint looks fine but the end of the steering column looks pretty bad.

Finally, my question.....Can the end of the steering shaft be replaced, or am I going to have to replace the whole shaft all the way up to the steering wheel?

Thanks,
Cooter

[FORDification]

The flange on the end of the shaft is swaged on (slipped on and then slightly deformed with a large hydraulic press) to make it next to impossible to remove. It can be done, but then you'd also have to do it with the donor shaft, so it just makes sense to replace the shaft. Depending on how loose it is, you might be able to get away with welding it solid, but if you have access to a replacement shaft I'd just go that route, to be safe.

[derek7871]

I've checked LMC and NPD and I have not found a new shaft. Any idea who sells them?

Cooter

[FORDification]

Those aren't reproduced. You'll have to get one from a member here (post something in the Parts Wanted forum) or from a junkyard. Just be sure to get one from a manual-steering truck, as the two shafts available with power steering are shorter than the MS version.

[68SPECIAL]

I have a shaft from a 68' manual steering. make me an offer. Its in my office ready to be shipped right now.