I have a 73 dart 340 floor shift automatic. I am deleting the power steering for a manual box. The engine is out but will be back from the machine shop next week ready to finish and reinstall. I just noticed the column shaft end bearing is missing but the plastic retainer is in place. From my research I see that there is a metal bearing supposed to be in the plastic retainer. Is there any reason that someone would disassemble the shaft and remove the bearing from the plastic retainer??? I don't get it. I've found one at year one for around $100 bucks. Thanks in advance for any input.
