67 Steering Column

67 Steering Column - Help

matthon said
It is one of the many threads I read through, copied links and info, I even posted in that exact thread before.

As noted by another member in that same thread, and others: because the slipper joint between the steering box and the column is a misalignment joint and not a support bearing.

Another added: Keep in mind that the bearing doesn't really need to be all that tight on the steering shaft. All it's doing is keeping the steering shaft from flopping around in the column jacket, so there just has to be more resistance between the bearing and shaft than there is in the bearing itself.

I would agree with both statements, and add the upper bearing is tight on the shaft, however there is a rubber ring between the bearing and the column.
That's a long way to go with little support, especially with manual steering.

I would agree that the bottom bearing doesn't need to be precise, as in held firm, as neither top or bottom are, one in rubber, the other in plastic.

In my case, the bottom of the shaft is not only worn, but worn unevenly. If I got a bearing with a smaller I.D. for the bottom, the shaft would be off center of the column tube, and I imagine that would not be a good idea.

I also believe a wasted lower bearing was responsible for the large amount of slop in the steering.

I don't think that's all that bad considering just how flimsy the original lower bearing was. The nylon insert, which totally disintegrates in most cases, carries the whole lower alignment upon bearing failure. I think if you replace the bearing with something reasonably close, even with the distortion, and bring the set screws tight on the inner shaft, as long as you can secure the bearing inside the outer shaft it will work....I used a strap clamp before I found the now highly expensive unabtainium bearing kit. The bearing kits are still available on ebag for 68 and up but nothing I can find for the 2.25", 67 column.
On my first attempt at this I used an aftermarket bearing with a bronze bushing to replace the nylon insert knowing I'd have to do something different in the future. It wasn't perfect but it worked temporarily and was tight....and I could drive my car safely.
Even when I found and installed the 67 kit I still used a stainless strap clamp on the outer shaft.
Good luck....you'll def get it at the very least in good usable condition and it will make a huge difference.
I'll keep searching for a 67 kit and let you know if I find one.