Steering shaft

[sargentrs]

Hate to keep buggin' you guys but one more thing. How do you position the clamp on the bottom of the steering shaft near the rag joint bracket (see pic above). Is there a set dimension to put it or is it just a "feel" kind of thing? Wanna make sure it's holding the bearing in good and snug. Also, sequence of installation of the column. Put the column in from the inside, slide the shaft in from under the hood or can you hold the shaft in with the steering wheel nut and put it all in at once?

[fordman]

the clamp on the bottom is the adjustment clamp. you would adjust the clamp after the column goes in. i have always put the whole column in from the inside. to heck with putting the center shaft in from the engine side .

[kaptnkaos]

That's the way I done mine...

When I replaced the upper and lower bearings in my '68 column, I used a punch and hammer... they both fit in the column pretty snug

KaptnKA S

[jzjames]

Yeah. Push the clamp/bearing up in there from the bottom, and tighten that bolt. Thats what I did when I rebuilt my steering column.
I dont think the steering column was one of Ford's strong points back in the day.

[sargentrs]

Alrightythen. That's what I figured but wanted to check with the experts and old hands. Thanks again guys!

[Batchainpuller]

I may be a bit late on this reply, but if you haven't already installed yr bearings consider this: go ahead and pack them with grease, put 'em in ziplocks and place them in yr freezer for at least a half hour before you install them. Use a torch or yr oven (low setting or not much more than 200˚ for 10-20 minutes) to heat the bearing cups. I'm about to tackle the same job and have yet to try it for this application, but i've done it a dozen times installing swingarm bushings and bearings in wheels, gearboxes, etc on motorcycles. A lot of times they'll just drop in with no need of a hammer. and plan of attack.