[Chuck Moreland]

I guess I should have kept following this thread.

I will let you in on my little secret. Method #4 for replacing the actual bearing WITHOUT REMOVING THE COLUMN!

Now don't tell anyone, this is just for you.

1 - Pull off the plastic cover under the steering column so you have access to the steering column tube.

2 - Drill a hole in the steering column tube big enough to fit a steel rod (maybe 1/4 inch diameter).

3 - Elongate the hole so you can angle the rod toward the back side of the bearing.

4 - Put the rod on the backside of the bearing, then tap it out with a hammer. I may have bent rod a bit to get to the bearing, I don't recall.

I did this to my '77 about ten years and 80k miles ago. All is well. Sorry no pictures since the plastic cover is back in place.

Good luck.