Steering column shaft end bearing question

[Dartndude73]

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.

 

[CFD244]

Not sure if things changed in 1973, but my 71 and 72 floorshift columns don't have lower bearings. Just a foam donut style ring that fits up inside of the tube to keep the crap from migrating into the car, and the plastic ring.

 

[rmchrgr]

Member Peter Bergman sells a lower column support bearing for $25 which is better than paying $100 for a plastic bushing.

 

[Dartndude73]

Thanks for the info. I will message PB

 

[OttawaCharger]

my 70 didn't have a bearing either. Seems ok without it so far.

 

[Dartndude73]

I ordered the part from Bergman. For $25 plus shipping. Part looks like a major improvement over th OEM one.