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Custom made or upgraded steering column!!!


sexybluelady

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Hi folks, I made a post about this many years ago but didn't get many replies. At the time I was looking for anyone that knew if the bearings in the steering column where available anywhere or ways that a person could make their steering column tight. Or suggestions on any suppliers that sell an aftermarket/upgraded steering column.

I have done and replaced everything to to my steering system (besides the column) to help get rid of my sloppy steering column that now binds once in a while, while driving. I am now desperate to find a replacement or anyone else that has just made their own. Offer me a quick guide on making my own as well.

I have a 1st gen, 1988 Ranger with a tilt column but I could care less if a replacement doesn't have tilt, I never use it anyways.
 


Blmpkn

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Jegs/summit/speedway all have a variety of attractive universal columns from 115-300$
 

sexybluelady

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Jegs/summit/speedway all have a variety of attractive universal columns from 115-300$
Thank you, do you happen to know which ones would work though? I have surfed through jegs and summit and the catalog for aftermarket steering columns is a mile long. I do not even know where to start or which one would fit.
 

Eddo Rogue

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skyjacker front leveling kit
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My buddies that do custom stuff usually just order it all off amazon or whatnot...but I dont have such luck with matching up compatible stuff...for me, even the plug and play kits wont all fit.
 

sexybluelady

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Manual
My buddies that do custom stuff usually just order it all off amazon or whatnot...but I dont have such luck with matching up compatible stuff...for me, even the plug and play kits wont all fit.
Thanks, I've looked through amazon andd haven't found much either. I'm still stuck in the same spot as before. Where I get a lot of vague information but nothing solid to go off of. Not even a part number or a couple of universal ones that may work with some fabin' and welding, etc.
 

Blmpkn

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Engine Size
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2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
2.5"
Tire Size
285/75/18
My credo
Its probably better to be self deprecating than self defecating.
Thank you, do you happen to know which ones would work though? I have surfed through jegs and summit and the catalog for aftermarket steering columns is a mile long. I do not even know where to start or which one would fit.
I'm not entirely sure no.. never had to mess with replacing a column before. I'd like to think that as long as your somewhat handy with light wiring and fab any of them would probably work though.

I don't remember exactly but I believe that @91bodiedranger might have put an aftermarket column in his truck? I guess I don't have his screen name correct though..
 

Curious Hound

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I'm not entirely sure no.. never had to mess with replacing a column before. I'd like to think that as long as your somewhat handy with light wiring and fab any of them would probably work though.

I don't remember exactly but I believe that @91bodiedranger might have put an aftermarket column in his truck? I guess I don't have his screen name correct though..
I don’t remember if he used an aftermarket column or if it’s the original bel-aire column to match the dash. Have to go read his thread again.
 

sexybluelady

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I don’t remember if he used an aftermarket column or if it’s the original bel-aire column to match the dash. Have to go read his thread again.
please let me know if you happen to find that thread. I looked around and couldn't find it.
 

bobbywalter

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please let me know if you happen to find that thread. I looked around and couldn't find it.
i remember you.

mcmaster carr has the bearings..i dont have the number handy....i was looking for the ones i ordered...i was just today looking at this as i am getting ready to start patching in the a pillars on my 88....it needs that bearing again.
 

bobbywalter

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sawzall?
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33-44
My credo
it is easier to fix and understand than "her"

similar to this

this style should work





might need this style retainer depending on what you have.


lower bearing retainer ford ranger steering column3f5fb097b6a485533abb9ef32e0987c6.jpg
 
Last edited:

bobbywalter

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Location
woodhaven mi
Vehicle Year
1988
Make / Model
FORD mostly
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
BIGGER
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
sawzall?
Tire Size
33-44
My credo
it is easier to fix and understand than "her"
 

Curious Hound

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2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
6"
Tire Size
35"
My credo
In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are different.
please let me know if you happen to find that thread. I looked around and couldn't find it.
Here’s the thread from the beginning. This truck will be in our 2024 calendar.

 

sexybluelady

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springfield, ma
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ford, mitsu, do
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Transmission
Manual
Thank you so much guys!! This is a awesome start. I've been trying so hard to find the proper bearings and bushings, etc. This is the information that I needed. If anyone else knows of any other parts that I may need to rebuild the steering column please feel free to post up. This will also make it easier for anyone else looking for this information for their worn out steering column.
I'm going to pick up all of the parts that were listed here today. So I can pull the column and hopefully have it rebuilt by next week.
 

tinman_72

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Manual
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Lift
Factory
Total Drop
None
Tire Size
255/60R15
My credo
RoHS compliant
I can't believe no one suggested car-part.com . I searched for a column in my area and found a whole list.
 

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