anyone got tips for an auto column rebuild?

[Bronco_69]

as luck would have it i have hit another road block in my bronco rebuild ;D

Today i installed a wild horses1" body lift (very easy) and i am very pleased with it. The roadblock came when i went to reconnect the column. after a little snatching the ball bearings fell out of the lower end of the column.

So i need to rebuild the auto column or consider a tilt column. I do not need the tilt wheel so i am leaning to repairing my column if possibe.

so if you have any tips, part numbers, or part suppliers please let me know.

thanks
chris

 

[JWMcCrary]

You can get a rebuild kit from JBG. I rebuilt mine using their kit, not hard at all just takes a little patience and time.

 

[Bronco_69]

thanks. i will check it out

 

[Broncobowsher]

Don't remove the clamp at the bottom bearing. It sets the clearance between the steering wheel and the turn signal. It is probably correct once you get it all back together.

Pull the steering wheel and the shaft will come out the front.

 

[Bronco_69]

thanks bud. i think i may have already messed that one up

i am not sure what i did but the bearings fell out the bottom and the steering wheel will pull out about 1" or so. i have not pulled the column to look at it yet.

 

[Broncobowsher]

thanks bud. i think i may have already messed that one up

i am not sure what i did but the bearings fell out the bottom and the steering wheel will pull out about 1" or so. i have not pulled the column to look at it yet.

That lower clamp pulled through the lower bearing. Clamp is still in the right place. When you get the new bearing in there it will put the steering wheel right back where it should be.

 

[Bronco_69]

ok, i may not be totaly hosed

 

[JWMcCrary]

Don't remove the clamp at the bottom bearing. It sets the clearance between the steering wheel and the turn signal. It is probably correct once you get it all back together.

Pull the steering wheel and the shaft will come out the front.

X1000, I should have mentioned that, it was tough getting that back right.

 

[Bronco_69]

well as luck would have it that clamp was loose on my column so i am hosed.

BUT, i did stumble up on a tilt column out of a 79 rtuck today

now i have to decide which to use. rebuild the stocker or throw in the tilt...

 

[regshawn]

What year stock auto column do you have, as some are easier to rebuild then others. I will tell you that the JBG rebuild kit is not complete! I actually pieced it all together for the last one I did (75 auto) through Toms and it was cheaper for me.

 

[Bronco_69]

my stock column is a 75 auto.

what parts did you use to rebuild yours. I would like to replace the lower bearing and seal and be done with it. the column worked great before the balls dropped out