Rebuilt steering column from 1965 D200

[Red383]

My column was making some seriour noise while turing so I decided to tear it down and rebuild.

Started by removing the horn button by pressing down with the palm of my hand and turning clockwise a quarter turn, Then I removed the nut and I pulled the steering wheel.

horn button removed

[Red383]

Here is a helpful diagram of the column that is in my service manual.

from service manual

[Red383]

I removed the column from the truck. Pulled the steering shaft out of the bottom of the column. The rubber dust boot was a bear to get out but it came out. To remove the turn signal switch, just loosen (don’t remove) the one mounting screw, and then I had to pry around the switch through the openings while trying to feed the stiff 55 year old wiring through the hole. It took a little while but after getting the wires loosened up, it came out.

Just loosen the screw, don't remove it like I did!

[Red383]

I removed the spring and spacer, then the upper bearing which is a press fit, but there are three tabs that need bent back to remove the bearing. I was able to pry the bearing out using a curved end of a small channel lock pliers through the middle of the bearing and prying around the bearing to work it’s way out.

The next item on the shaft is called out in the diagram as a spacer, but it is kind of like a bearing cup, that sits in the roller bearing. My bearing was froze up and would not spin. That is probably why my steering sounded so bad the few time I drove my truck. I searched for a replacement, actually bought a bearing for a newer Dodge, but it is NOT the same. I ended up soaking my bearing in degreaser for a while and the scrubbing with a toothbrush repeatedly and this cleaned it all out and it was rolling like new. I greased it up like a wheel bearing and it was ready to go.

upper bearing and spacer

[Red383]

Next is another spring and then a snap ring on the shaft that holds everything up at the top of the shaft. (called a retainer on the diagram) Picture of parts all laid out (photoshopped, because I had them in the wrong order)

parts in order

[Red383]

I cleaned/sandblasted and painted everything. I took the signal switch that was in better shape from another column that I had. I laid out all of the parts for reassembly. My lower dust boot was not in real good shape and I didn’t have any luck finding a new one. I found a different solution to block off the end of the tube and support the steering shaft.
I bought this bearing - R12-2RS Sealed Bearing 3/4 x 1 5/8 x 7/16 from amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002B ... UTF8&psc=1

[Red383]

I slid the bearing down the shaft to check fitment. There was a couple tight spots, so I spun the shaft in a drill and used some emery cloth to smooth out the shaft and take down any high spots. I was then able to slide the bearing all the way down the shaft with a nice fit.

[Red383]

I pressed the bearing into the end of the steering column tube, and after the first try, I realized that it couldn’t sit right at the end of the column. It wouldn’t allow any movement in the shaft. So I pressed it a little deeper, just to the top of the open slot on the tube. (Pay no attention to my pitted steering column tube)

First I pressed in at the end

pressed to the top of the slot

this will allow up/down shaft movement

[Red383]

I slide the shaft up the column, and then had to install the snap ring. This was a little problematic, because my 90 degree snap ring pliers were too big to fit the snap ring holes. If that wasn’t the case, it would not have been too bad just installing it through the opening in the column tube. Then installed the first spring and the upper bearing “cup”/spacer.

Snap ring viewed through access hole

[Red383]

I reinstalled the upper bearing, (make sure you install it the correct way) tapping it in using a socket that fit the outer ring, and tap it down until it hits the internal stops. Then gently bend the three tabs back over, don’t bend them all the way down, just 45 degrees or so. Then install the spacer and upper spring.

bend tabs in

[Red383]

Then you need to feed the wiring of the turn signal switch through the column and seat the switch in the column tube. There is a locating notch that makes sure the switch is oriented the correct way. You can see the notch in the last picture are the 6 o’clock position to the right of the bent over tab.

Now my column spins freely and is supported at the lower end and also sealed off from wasps making nests.

[hmaynord]

wow, red, that's a lot of work to document all of that with the great pics.
saving it. I'll probably have to do this one of these days.

[Red383]

Oh yeah, don’t forget to put on your new floor column gasket, or you will get to take it all back apart to install it. (don’t ask me how I know)

Install floor gasket before assembly

[Txas2step]

Nice work. Should be a Tech Thread. FYI. Bud Thorp sells a bushing for the bottom of the column.

[dougdodgeman]

I'm having a senior moment, how does one go about getting this ordered with Bud? TIA! Doug

[PwrWgnDrvr]

I'm having a senior moment, how does one go about getting this ordered with Bud? TIA! Doug

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