I second that

This looks like it's made to go on the end of the column and not deeper inside the column, correct?  With my column mods I would need a bearing seated more up inside the column.  To get rid of all the u-joint bind in my intermediate shaft assembly the upper u-joint had to be placed almost half inside the column tube, deeper than firewall depth (dang Steeroids rack placement).  The current plastic excuse they supply for a bearing should be OK but I would rather have a real one like yours.

Count me in. Any idea on $?

Bob

UPDATE

The prototype bearing is being installed by a customer.  As you all know, I will not sell something until it has been tested.  As soon as it is verified the assembly fits and works as advertised, then it will be in production.  We have the material for the production run and will have these out within the next couple of weeks.

MustangSteve wrote:

This bearing assembly will work for anyone installing a R&P unit on their Mustang, or it can be used with a Borgeson conversion or whatever you come up with.  Race cars that do not need horns or turn signals can even use one at the top as well.

It includes a shaft collar that can be used in two different configurations during installation.  For 65/67 cars that had no positive retention of the steering shaft once the shaft is cut, it can be configured to hold the shaft where it cannot move up or down, eliminating the problem of adding a rag joint that allows shaft vertical movement. (Rag joints, such as the ones on borgeson conversions, still allow the shaft to move up and down slightly, causing horn contact issues)

Once you place the u-joint (part of your system) below the bearing, and the shaft collar above the bearing, the shaft will be locked in position where it can not slide up or down in the column tube.  It will only spin on the existing upper and new lower bearing.  The bearing retainer can be held in place with two short screws or RTV or JBWeld so it cannot slide once placed in the tube.  There is plenty of surface area interfacing with the column tube, so just tapping it in place is all it really needs to hold it.

On cars that have a c-clip on the shaft at the top to keep the shaft from moving downward, the collar can be placed below the bearing to keep the shaft from moving upward.

If your column shaft extends farther out before the u-joint is attached, an extra shaft collar can be provided so the shaft cannot move up or down, being retained by this assembly.

The bearing has double seals to prevent water or dirt contamination.

Here are a couple of pictures.  These will be in production in about two weeks once more material gets here.

These bearing kits are now in stock.  Price is $49.85 + $5.15 Priority mail shipping.  I have ten available right now.  Email steve@mustangsteve.com if you want one.
These are expensive because I am using quality parts.  Machined bearing retainer is aluminum, the shaft collar is chromed steel, and the flanged bearings are made in USA.  It comes with the bearing already pressed into the retainer sleeve.  

Now have 6 available

Last edited by MustangSteve (7/18/2013 2:45 PM)