Steering column bushing
#31
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To anyone who wants to do this mod to an auto truck be EXTREMLY cautious as you can collapse the column itself when trying to seat in the bushing.
To be fair there is a warning of just such an occurance in the instructions but that's what happens when you don't read everything before you start. I had to get a new column due to my failure to pay attention to detail, lesson learned.
If I had to do this again I would not pull the column, it is a very simple install, just remember the steering shaft cannot be too clean or lubed to help the install of the bushing.
To be fair there is a warning of just such an occurance in the instructions but that's what happens when you don't read everything before you start. I had to get a new column due to my failure to pay attention to detail, lesson learned.
If I had to do this again I would not pull the column, it is a very simple install, just remember the steering shaft cannot be too clean or lubed to help the install of the bushing.
#32
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OK.....what years does this affect? ( I know...read at the top of the thread!) Auto and Manual? I just dont want to waste my time makeing one if it aint going to work for my truck and some others in Houston! haha....
#33
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http://www.rocksolidramtrucksteering.com/
#36
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I dont see any issues with it........BUT i have yet to install mine....will be here today or tom when i do it....ill see about getting some pics if my wife remembers to leave the camera for me!
#38
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Mine didn't come with a "locking tang", I just used a zip tie. If you use a hose clamp be careful not to put it right up against the bushing because the hose clamp will turn with the shaft and the bushing stays still.
#39
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Must be something else going on, here - my (and I'm several digits away from the original owner) '96 3500 manual has 210,000 miles on original steering column with no slop\play between the shaft and bushing\housing.
The rubber-isolated intermediate shaft has some wear at the upper insulator assembly, but not noticeable with the stock 2.15-16 Michelins - it's only evident when the shaft is grabbed and rocked\twisted.
Is this bushing failure maybe from the extra action required in the column shifter for the automatic trans versions - or\and running oversized tires - or\and jacked suspension?
The article clearly shows the automatic column shift lever\shaft with a replacement bushing.
The rubber-isolated intermediate shaft has some wear at the upper insulator assembly, but not noticeable with the stock 2.15-16 Michelins - it's only evident when the shaft is grabbed and rocked\twisted.
Is this bushing failure maybe from the extra action required in the column shifter for the automatic trans versions - or\and running oversized tires - or\and jacked suspension?
The article clearly shows the automatic column shift lever\shaft with a replacement bushing.
#40
FYI if your trying to make your own of these, the automatic trucks have a different sized neck than the manuals due to the shifter linkage. We found that out the hard way on my truck after we removed the spring and old bearing. We used the above specs and it worked great in the manual trucks but the auto's are different. So we had to go and beat the stock bearing back in place after pulling the column and put a tack weld on it to keep it in place until I can get a new bushing.
#42
Towards the bottom of the first page there are dimensions but they won't fit an automatic. At least not mine. My buddy is going to measure it at the shop and get the dimensions for an auto. After looking at my old bearing I have no doubt that this bushing won't help. My bearing has a TON of slop in it.
#43
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Towards the bottom of the first page there are dimensions but they won't fit an automatic. At least not mine. My buddy is going to measure it at the shop and get the dimensions for an auto. After looking at my old bearing I have no doubt that this bushing won't help. My bearing has a TON of slop in it.
When i find the spec for the autos....ill throw them on here.
#44
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For those with an auto, use alot of care when installing the bushing into the column. A couple guys on TDR sheared a rivet or something by pounding too hard while installing the bushing, and this caused the shift column not to work properly. Also, if the bushing on the auto is too tight, the friction can cause the truck to shift ranges when you turn.
Waylan
Waylan
#45
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For those with an auto, use alot of care when installing the bushing into the column. A couple guys on TDR sheared a rivet or something by pounding too hard while installing the bushing, and this caused the shift column not to work properly. Also, if the bushing on the auto is too tight, the friction can cause the truck to shift ranges when you turn.
Waylan
Waylan
As long as you have no drag on your steering shaft to bushing, I dont see this being much of an issue. And my truck is just fine with that rivet broken. Just make sure the ID spec is 1" or just a smidge bigger....then hit it with some Scotch brite and smooth the crap out of it......get ANY grease and grime off the column shaft anyway you can. The cleaner the better......