Steering column lower bearing install?

[erasedhammer]

Took my steering column out for my manual pedal install, and as I was pulling the column further out, the lower bearing popped off and now I am having trouble getting it back on.
Any tips to push this bearing back on?

 

[sneekyeye]

On page 8-11 in the -34 TM it goes into the steps it needs to go back on. It mentions a bearing retainer, indexing the slots and a retaining clip. Ive never had mine apart so I really cant give you and firsthand knowledge or tips, but check that page and it might help. The TM section has them for download in PDF format if you do not have them already.

 

[erasedhammer]

Unfortunately the TM does not show

On page 8-11 in the -34 TM it goes into the steps it needs to go back on. It mentions a bearing retainer, indexing the slots and a retaining clip. Ive never had mine apart so I really cant give you and firsthand knowledge or tips, but check that page and it might help. The TM section has them for download in PDF format if you do not have them already.
View attachment 804150

Unfortunately the TM does not show how to get the lower shaft back on. And now the bearing is seated too far up and I have no way of pulling it back down.

 

[cucvrus]

OH the beating that column bushing took. I am sad to see hammer and chisel marks on any steering column. If it were me I would remove the column and figure out a way to get that bearing back in with a deep socket. Do it on a work bench where you have some access and can control the installation. Good Luck. It can be done. I took a column down to bare bones and reassembled it just for fun and experience.

 

[erasedhammer]

OH the beating that column bushing took. I am sad to see hammer and chisel marks on any steering column. If it were me I would remove the column and figure out a way to get that bearing back in with a deep socket. Do it on a work bench where you have some access and can control the installation. Good Luck. It can be done. I took a column down to bare bones and reassembled it just for fun and experience.

Took the steering column in and out probably 5 times. Couldnt really find any good instructions on reassembling it, so trial and error. Finally figured out, bolt the lower shaft to the steering box, then the upper dash bolts, then the firewall clamp. All that after pulling it out and assembling the entire thing out of the truck.
I just thought I could do it all in the truck, but no way was that happening.

 

[cucvrus]

Did you get the bearing back in place?

 

[erasedhammer]

Did you get the bearing back in place?

Yes, it just pushed the shifter spring assembly further up.
Didn't hurt anything.