Ifitaintbroke Posted November 22, 2023 Author Share Posted November 22, 2023 It isn't necessary if your bearing is ok. It isn't broken so I assume it's fine. What would be the proper check for wear? Just making sure there's no play in it? Also I found a good lower shaft at the junkyard yesterday. And a few of the unobtanium black interior switch knobs like go on the fuel selector switch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ifitaintbroke Posted November 22, 2023 Author Share Posted November 22, 2023 Oh yes, Blue Top has the DRB bearing for $65 if I remember correctly, and DRB sells it for $70 + shipping. So just buy the bearing from BT and have them put it in the box and you'll pay less and won't have a shipping charge. That ND weather stinks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Lewis Posted November 22, 2023 Share Posted November 22, 2023 It isn't broken so I assume it's fine. What would be the proper check for wear? Just making sure there's no play in it? Also I found a good lower shaft at the junkyard yesterday. And a few of the unobtanium black interior switch knobs like go on the fuel selector switch. Is the lower shaft the later one with an exposed u-joint? As for checking the lower bearing, see if you can move the shaft side to side very much. Should just be able to move it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ifitaintbroke Posted November 22, 2023 Author Share Posted November 22, 2023 Is the lower shaft the later one with an exposed u-joint? As for checking the lower bearing, see if you can move the shaft side to side very much. Should just be able to move it. Yes, it came from an '89 F150. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ifitaintbroke Posted November 22, 2023 Author Share Posted November 22, 2023 Is the lower shaft the later one with an exposed u-joint? As for checking the lower bearing, see if you can move the shaft side to side very much. Should just be able to move it. I can't seem to find a phone number for Bluetop anywhere. Do you have their number or are they not taking calls right now? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Lewis Posted November 22, 2023 Share Posted November 22, 2023 I can't seem to find a phone number for Bluetop anywhere. Do you have their number or are they not taking calls right now? Just email them. They are very responsive, although today is the day before Thanksgiving so they may not be in. orders@bluetopsteeringgears.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ifitaintbroke Posted November 22, 2023 Author Share Posted November 22, 2023 Just email them. They are very responsive, although today is the day before Thanksgiving so they may not be in. orders@bluetopsteeringgears.com Sounds good. I've got to get the old box off anyway. Taking off that pitman arm does not look like fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Lewis Posted November 22, 2023 Share Posted November 22, 2023 Sounds good. I've got to get the old box off anyway. Taking off that pitman arm does not look like fun. It takes a special puller, and even then I tighten the bolt with my impact, rap on the side of the pitman arm, tighten, rap, tighten, rap, and then it comes off. But I leave the nut just barely on to catch it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ifitaintbroke Posted November 23, 2023 Author Share Posted November 23, 2023 It takes a special puller, and even then I tighten the bolt with my impact, rap on the side of the pitman arm, tighten, rap, tighten, rap, and then it comes off. But I leave the nut just barely on to catch it. I sent it off with the pitman arm still attached. Apparently they don't mind because there is a box to check for that on the printout sheet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Lewis Posted November 23, 2023 Share Posted November 23, 2023 I sent it off with the pitman arm still attached. Apparently they don't mind because there is a box to check for that on the printout sheet. That will make it easier. Won't have to torque it back on either, and that was a bit of work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts