More Steering help Please

[1strodeo]

rebuilt my column shift with new thrust washers and spacer, while I was at it removed the lower steering shaft, which turns out to be some kind of hybrid 2 piece shaft with tulip/bell-shaped coupler at the steering box.

Cleaned up and greased the lower shaft unit, put everything back together and now the entire steering shaft, upper and lower, moves about an inch back and forth. In other words the back and forth movement inside the tulip can be felt at the wheel.

The pic with lower unit removed is before, other pic is after.

There is a groove in the shaft (2nd pic) that looks like it should have a clip on it to keep it behind the lower column bearing? If so does this keep it from moving in EITHER direction?

I believe the column itself to be a 76-77 version...like i said hybrid...I've now named my 72 Frankie because of all the different crap she's made of ?:? any help appreciated -Jeff

 

[gr8scott]

Will a steering shaft clamp fit in that space? Its what keeps mine from moving up and down at the wheel.
https://www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/Steering_Shaft_Clamp/Bronco_Stock_Column_Parts

 

[1strodeo]

Will a steering shaft clamp fit in that space? Its what keeps mine from moving up and down at the wheel.
https://www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/Steering_Shaft_Clamp/Bronco_Stock_Column_Parts

another member told me they didn't use those on this type (76-77) column, not sure why, maybe something to do with the different lower bearing?

 

[1strodeo]

i believe the problem is one of two clips at the top of the upper shaft, will verify here in a couple hours thanks -Jeff

 

[JaxLax]

walked outside.
enjoy the horrible cell phone pics, but this is my 77 column.
hard to get the shots as the piece is under the booster bracket and my random cruise control setup is on the fender in front of it.

 

[DirtDonk]

Looks like someone was trying to accomplish the same thing with a "temporary" fix by using a hose clamp to keep the shaft from moving upward.
They probably knew about the clamp from the earlier models, but didn't know what held the '77 in place, or thought the clamp was missing perhaps.
And it might be for all I know, but I don't think I've ever seen a clamp visible outside one of those late model bearing retainers. Could it be inside, under the cover?
I didn't think so, but that thought just occurred to me.

Paul

 

[Slowleak]

Here’s a pic of my ‘77 for reference.

 

[1strodeo]

Thanks Jax & Slowleak, Jax do you have the u-joint style connection at the steering box?

After looking at Slowleak's diagram (via PM) it occurred to me that maybe the clamp was only needed on models with the bell shaped (sloppy) connector, and the u-joint style connector on 76-77 models resolved the need for the clamp?

HOWEVER the fact remains that this was not an issue before I took it apart ?:??:??:?

 

[JaxLax]

Thanks Jax & Slowleak, Jax do you have the u-joint style connection at the steering box?

After looking at Slowleak's diagram (via PM) it occurred to me that maybe the clamp was only needed on models with the bell shaped (sloppy) connector, and the u-joint style connector on 76-77 models resolved the need for the clamp?

HOWEVER the fact remains that this was not an issue before I took it apart ?:??:??:?

I'll snap a pick later.
but I believe so.
so maybe someone swapped some parts through the years.