52carl - Sorry, didn't see your answer to this thread...and you've made some good observations. I did have an inner sleeve made for the cut end that the shaft also goes through. A grease zerk was added to keep that surface turning smoothly. Beyond the end, the shaft attaches to a universal, which goes to a shaft and then to a heim joint. The Column is anchored firmly at that point, so that the spring is properly compressed when the steering wheel is attached (see older progress pic below. Also machined a couple washer/spacers to go under the spring at the mast bearing to see if that would help (didn't).
[IMG]http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e22/riverwork/Public%20stuff/Truck%20Parts/IMG_2756.jpg[/IMG] This past weekend, I added a collar made by Ididit to anchor the column to the firewall. Nice for the feel, but the knocking noise in the column is still there. With the steering wheel off so I can see about 1/32" of play in the mast bearing - I think that's the noise source. From the pics below, you can see the truck looks pretty stock. I've been trying to keep that look, even with the modifications. I don't want a tilt column with an aftermarket wheel - as is usually done (just my thing). I think my best bet for a vintage look may be an Ididit plain column with a 1954-55 steering wheel. It looks just like a 54-55 column, only built to tighter specs.
[IMG]http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e22/riverwork/Public%20stuff/Truck%20Parts/Fintrk4a.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e22/riverwork/Public%20stuff/Truck%20Parts/Fintrk8.jpg[/IMG]
