70 RR Steering Column Question

[roadrunner57]

I have my steering column disassembled and am attempting to reassemble. But I have a question. Since the inner tube is basically for column shift and reverse lock out I believe, is it necessary for a floor shift? Or is the inner tube for protection (dirt, grime, etc)? I have a new lower bearing for it, but the damned thing doesn't fit the inner tube. It fits the shaft though.

 

[tnfastback]

If you are talking about this bearing, 1970 RR didn't have it.

 

[R413]

The 1970 doesn’t have a lower bearing. You center the column tube and shaft before tightening the 4 firewall/floor bolts.

 

[roadrunner57]

So just the grommet/bushing for the inner tube at the bottom then?

 

[tnfastback]

Yes the bushing goes at the bottom of the inner shaft inside the main tube. I went through the same thing trying to figure it out only to find out the 1970 main steering shaft free floats at bottom. Once the steering coupler is bolted to the steering gear it should be centered in the tube.

 

[tnfastback]

Search 1970 steering column in the search bar as a lot of members have detailed pictures of the parts and such.

 

[roadrunner57]

Thanks!!!