Steering Column Parts

[blindjae]

Hey Guys,
I'm new to forum, I know there is a bunch of old threads on this topic...I was reading through them prior to this post. This being said all the threads I found are pretty old so I wanted to see if there is any updated information from you guys on this. I am looking to rebuild my stock steering column. I believe I just need an upper and lower bearing and whatever retainers go with them. That's the other issue, can someone send me a picture of these areas on the column so I can see the parts? I have the 2d exploded diagram of everything but there isn't much detail. I'm asking because my column shaft has a ton of play back and forth so I'm not certain if something is missing or just warn out. What suppliers do you guys recommend these days for these parts? Any help is appreciated. Thanks

[jeepdan]

Hi and welcome

Here is a photo of my steering column ready to be reassembled with several NOS parts.

The upper white plastic bearing retainer (on left) holds a ball bearing assembly that looks like it came out of a bicycle, LOL. It also holds the horn contact ring.

The bottom bearing (on right) is made out of the same white plastic/nylon material (no ball bearing down there) Mine had worn out badly because the steering shaft was rusty in that area, and it ground up the plastic.

Both of those parts, I bought from Vintage Power Wagons, but that was five years ago. Worth a call though. Or try Memphis Equipment.

I can't remember what takes up the end play. I think the spring has something to do with that. maybe Geeze it's only been 5 years and can't remember

[brute4c]

What great documentation pics and info you keep providing...thank you for being such a big help to others!

[jeepdan]

What great documentation pics and info you keep providing...thank you for being such a big help to others!

Thanks I really enjoy it though.
I'm just so glad that I had the foresight to take photos along the way.

This winter when I have more free time, I would like to rewrite my truck's restoration thread complete with the old photos that Photobucket killed.

[brute4c]

That would be amazing!!

[Bdubya-USAF]

Id like to do a quick 2025 update on one of these parts. Specifically the lower steering column bearing. Back in 2019 (when this thread was put together) it looks like maybe those lower bearings may have been easier to come by through VPW. I tried to reach them but got no response. So, through purchase, trial, and error I landed on one from willys jeep. As of today, 21 May 2025, this part does work in the place of the stock "bearing." I put quotes around that as, its not really a bearing as one would consider the common definition. It is more of a plastic sleeve/hole that the lower steering shaft runs through and is supported by. There is absolutely no metal in there, its plastic.

The part from willys is exactly the same material, a plastic/nylon type material. All dimensions are identical. The ONLY difference is that it is half as tall as the stock part. So, when you remove the old one, you have to be careful to tap the new willys one down into place until it lines up with the holes on the lower column.

Here is a currently good link for the part:
https://www.kaiserwillys.com/product...ando-933896-2/

Disregard the comments from the site where they say the part will not work for an m715. That is false.