thrust play on steering shaft

[AirSpeed]

I installed a new steering wheel on my 72 GMC today and when I was done I noticed about 1/4" of play in the steering shaft. I actually notice it a while back but it wasn't an issue with the stock steering wheel. I can pull the wheel out about .25". The chrome piece that covers the adapter rubs against the steering column slightly when I turn the wheel. I can easily space the cover so it wont rub but I would like to get rid of the play instead. Is there a thrust adjustment in the steering shaft that goes through the column?
I also replaced the front brake calipers today and noticed a little play in the lower ball joint, my truck is a four wheel drive. The play is very slight, I can just wiggle it. I attempted to tighten the nut but couldnt get a wrench on it. I wanted to see if tightening it would get rid of the play. What is involved in tightening it or if necessary, replacing it? Do I have to remove the axle to get a wrench on the nut of the lower ball joint?
Thanks!

[Wrenchbender Ret]

I take it it's not a tilt. The bearing on the bottom of the column is supposed to float on the shaft with the spring pressure to take up play in the upper brg. After all this time & the invironment it is in it gets froze to the shaft. You will probably need to o-haul the column to fix it.

[AirSpeed]

Thanks, I looked at an exploded view ofthee column and was wondering if that spring at the bottom end did that. I made a spacer and put it between the adapter and the chrome trim for now, a rebuild will have to wait till spring. Thanks!
Posted via Mobile Device

[LockDoc]

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To adjust the mast jacket lower bearing loosen the clamp on the steering shaft next to the spring and slide the clamp up until you have 3/4" to 7/8" between the large washer and the bottom of the lower bearing in the column tube. Have someone hold down on the steering wheel while you do this.

Post up if this cures it or not so others will know if they have the same problem.

LockDoc

[JimKshortstep4x4]

Lock Doc,

I have not seen any clamps on the shaft extension that could be adjusted on his year truck. The clamp bolt fits through the clamp and the groove that is cut into the shaft. The clamp bolt keys the clamp, shaft extension and the column shaft on the 72 truck that he has.

Jim

[AirSpeed]

I will check it out tomorrow, the exploded drawing I saw doesnt seem to have any adjustment, I will have to get in and take a look at the column closer and see whats there. Thanks again!

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by JimKshortstep4x4

Lock Doc,

I have not seen any clamps on the shaft extension that could be adjusted on his year truck. The clamp bolt fits through the clamp and the groove that is cut into the shaft. The clamp bolt keys the clamp, shaft extension and the column shaft on the 72 truck that he has.

Jim

Jim: The groove in the shaft is wide enough to allow for 3/8-1/2" of movement, which should be enough to make the adjustment. That is the way I did My '71 4x4. Maybe they changed something in '72. I've never had one of those.

LockDoc