Steering column replacement Parts Question (bearings/Sleeves/etc)

[Madman]

I'm overhauling all the components of my 1970 F250 4x4's steering column, and per typical fashion, all the parts listed in catalogs state for a 2wd. I am assuming there should be no difference between 4wd and 2wd column, I'd figured I ask to see if anyone has already struggled through this and has part numbers.

[sargentrs]

There does appear to be some differences between 2wd and 4wd drive columns although the bearings and such appear to be the same.

http://www.fordification.com/tech/image ... column.jpg and http://www.fordification.com/tech/image ... column.jpg

I've had some luck Google searching by the engineering part numbers (middle group of numbers) and then selecting the year/model group of numbers closest to my truck. i.e. column bearing 3517 or bearing retainer 3518. Then just confirming that there is only one variation for my year/model. If you see a -A and a -B with the rest of the part number the same, then all bets are off.

[Ranchero50]

I think some of the late model columns have a plastic sleeve on the bottom vs. a bearing as it allowed more misalignment between the steering wheel to steering box centerline. The 4x4's have the intermediate shaft and needs the bearing at the bottom.

As the cab mounts fail the steering shaft takes a beating on the 2wd's with the bearing.

[Madman]

Thanks! I looked over the drawings, and can see differences in the 2wd vs 4wd column itself, like was said, but the parts catalogs don't elaborate much, specifically they state on the column bearings for 2wd, and list nothing for 4wd. I'll check into the links you provided above.

[sargentrs]

Let us know what you figure out. I'm sure it'll be of interest to others. Thanks!

[Madman]

I intend to, as I'm sure there are others out there experiencing the same issues I do.