Steering Question

[mo-bronco]

New guy here, I just introduced myself in the intro forum. I have a '79 short bed 4x4. The steering has gotten really weird feeling lately. I grabbed the steering shaft and it was pretty loose. I pulled the column and the plastic thing at the bottom where the shaft comes out was messed up. How loose should it be with that piece out? Should it be pretty tight still with other bearings up higher? Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[Ranger429]

That is the lower bearing. If it is out of the sleeve the shaft is going to wobble around.

 

[Mil1ion]

Ford Part Number D3TZ-3D681-A

Here is an NOS one for $15.00

http://store.spacecoastshelby.com/1...ng-column-lower-bearing-amp-retainer1973.html