1968 F250 Steering Column replacement, manual floor shift

[idahiboy]

1) is there a good swap out option for a replacement column?
2) I was going to bite the bullet and buy an Ididit column, but apparently they only make 1/2 ton column options?... anyone know of a good rebuilt or restoration company option?
3) Maybe I am just not looking for the correct replacement parts, how hard it is to rebuild the column on my own?

I can't find a good replacement column (stock parts) for my 1968 F250. I am removing old manual steering and putting in Saginaw box and then new PS pump. I was hoping to just attach my current column to it, but trying to find replacement bearings for pre 900-000 serial number trucks has proven difficult. The linkage between the column and steering shaft is different apparently for the early 1968 trucks (the others all seem to have a ragjoint linkage). The steering column, if I remove it, appears to slide and then bolt into the ujoint linkage. I have all the Ujoint parts I need, and could probably just hook things up, but the I am worried the column is worn out, and at least need bearings replaced, so wanted to pull the column and update as part of the project.

#1 Steering column shaft
#2 rusted clamp that appears to hold column in place at firewall
#3 U joint type linkage


I am new to this forum so I am sure I am not up to speed on much of this convernsion.....

I am a bit of a nube at this whole process, but would like to get my 1968 F250, FE 390 into good running shape. Brakes, engine and everything else works pretty good, but manual steering is a major pain, and the current manual steering box and u-joint linkage to column have A LOT of wear and its pretty loose.

Advice?
HELP!
Thanks!

[fordman]

Bearings r probably the same for the column. The main difference in bearings was made in 1970. Its not real hard to replace the bearings.

Power steering on a 4wd just really requires the correct lenght intermidiate shaft. Nor the columnn. I think.