steering column

[specialty]

Question on the top steering column bearing. Those ones that you can buy look pretty weak to me. Anyone ever make one out of bearing bronze or oil-lite to make a good durable bearing? Or maybe a good sealed bearing to replace the original?
Also should I go ahead and install the column
BEFORE putting the tub back on? I notice most have their columns installed before. It looks like it would be much easier to do it before to get everything adjusted right than after. Thanks

[garage gnome]

Can't help you on the bearing, but you can install the column after putting the tub on. That's what I do. The hole is slightly small for the triangular piece, but you can make it fit.

[garage gnome]

What does the stock bearing look like?

[specialty]

You can do a google search to find a picture. My column has one in the top but unless I am missing part of it it does not touch the column at all and does nothing. It looks like the picture though.

[garage gnome]

I suppose you could make one from bearing bronze.

[1955CJ-5]

Here is one that is apart...

Maybe you are missing part of it?

[specialty]

After seeing your pictures I am missing about all of it. The only piece I have is the one that taps into the column. Thanks

[1955CJ-5]

Glad to have been able to help!

They are not the greatest bearing but they don't carry much load....a little light grease when you put it together and it should work fine...

[specialty]

Serves the purpose I guess. I might just see if I can find a sealed bearing to do the job or make up a oil-lite bushing. Thanks for the information, now I know what was in there.