Steering shaft lower bearing replacement. 68, solid shaft.

[Broncy68]

What is the easiest way?! Can I get a replacement lower bearing and flange onto the shaft without removing the entire steering column and steering shaft? I’ve watched every video I can find and not one of them shows the connection/coupler to the gearbox that I have. I’m attaching someone else’s pictures of my coupler. Does the end piece come off so I can slide a new bearing on? Or does the entire ‘3 on the tree’ shifter column etc have to come out of the truck??? Thanks in advance.
https://share.icloud.com/photos/080Xb4AeQUlYFKcKMk62DmE_A

 

[DirtDonk]

Been so long I don’t remember. The coupler/bell actually does come off the shaft. But what remains are a pin, or pins through the shaft itself.
That would block the bearing from coming out.

In a pinch, I bet that, because it’s such a simple bearing (like an old bicycle steering head bearing), that you could probably clip the race and slip it around the shaft. I wouldn’t do that, however but it’s probably doable.

I thought the column had to come out, but since I’ve only done it outside of the vehicle, I’m not one to give good advice here.
Hopefully someone will come along who’s done it recently and can remember.

If the pin can come out of the lower end of the shaft, that would make things a lot easier.

 

[Oldtimer]

And for the sake of the two little ones sitting on the fender, I would change to a collapsible steering shaft.

 

[WILDHORSES]

Take the column out, it will cause far less pain, unless you are going to install a custom lower slip shaft such as our #2161 seen here.
https://www.wildhorses4x4.com/custom-early-bronco-lower-steering-shaft It's way easier to take the column out no matter which way you go. As for the question could it be done? I suppose but the frustration level might be very high. You have to devise a pin pusher outer and push out the pin. The pin is pressed in. Pull the shaft and use a brass punch to push out the pin. Then push the collar the round thing that the pin goes through off. At that point you can remove and install new bearing https://www.wildhorses4x4.com/66-73-ford-bronco-steering-column-bearing, bearing cone https://www.wildhorses4x4.com/66-73-ford-bronco-steering-column-bearing-sleeve and felt washer. https://www.wildhorses4x4.com/66-73-ford-bronco-lower-steering-column-felt-retaining-washer
To remove the column
1. Remove steering wheel
1. unplug the turn signal switch wiring
2. Remove clamp at fire wall
3. Remove 2 bolts holding the column under the dash

Jim

 

[Broncy68]

Thank you Jim! Just knowing that I have to commit makes it much easier. I’ve already purchased all these parts from wild horses. Once everything is off I can pull out the steering shaft and put the bearing on from the top without having to press out the pin that fits in the coupler, correct?

 

[WILDHORSES]

Thank you Jim! Just knowing that I have to commit makes it much easier. I’ve already purchased all these parts from wild horses. Once everything is off I can pull out the steering shaft and put the bearing on from the top without having to press out the pin that fits in the coupler, correct?

You got it!
Thanks for the business

Jim

 

[Broncy68]

Hey Jim @WILDHORSES , I got it fixed! Not too hard. Thanks again. I replaced the shift arms and nylon washers as well. Wanted to make two observations that will hopefully help for future customers. 1. The 'felt washer' that I bought doesn't fit over the steering shaft. And 2. the shift arms should really come with the spring clip washers that secure them to the shift control rod (not sure that's what it's called). I reused the clips that were on there but they don't look in great shape.
Regardless I appreciate your help. It's a daily driver for my wife. I will be ordering more in the future!