Anyone help ID my steering column

[zachste]

So I'm trying to figure out if I am really missing a washer or if it's a P model column. All spurred because I'm trying to chase down a "vibration" in the portion of the column right under the tilt portion of the column. I can put my hand on it and almost feels like something rattling against shell. So wondering if the bearings need to be preloaded/if I am missing that large washer.
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[randy500]

That appears to be an real truck tilt by the length of shaft where it attaches to the intermediate shaft and the shift indicator lens. It is missing the wire bearing retainer on the lower bearing.
Tilt columns do not need or use the spring that is currently installed. It is holding the bearing in place though.
There should be slight preload on the upper nut as seen in second pic. If preload adj is needed you must do it with column not attached to intermediate shaft.
The rattle could be something laying under the upper tin cover or the tilt bowl area. You could remove the upper tin cover and look around, probably remove the turn signal switch after the tin cover to see what may be loose.

[randy500]

The shift arm in he engine compartment should be straight and not bent at all, 90 degrees from column.

[Boog]

flip'd.

[70shortfleet]

Someone has moved the column closer to the dash for more room inside and that is why your lower shift tube arm is bent and the intermediate shaft has probably been shortened.

[zachste]

Originally Posted by randy500

That appears to be an real truck tilt by the length of shaft where it attaches to the intermediate shaft and the shift indicator lens. It is missing the wire bearing retainer on the lower bearing.
Tilt columns do not need or use the spring that is currently installed. It is holding the bearing in place though.
There should be slight preload on the upper nut as seen in second pic. If preload adj is needed you must do it with column not attached to intermediate shaft.
The rattle could be something laying under the upper tin cover or the tilt bowl area. You could remove the upper tin cover and look around, probably remove the turn signal switch after the tin cover to see what may be loose.

Thanks for the info. I was pulling the turn signal switch but it didn't seem to want to come so I didn't want to force it out. I'll give it another go so I can try to get to the lower tin. The rattling is definitely in that lower tin, but doesn't actually transmit any vibration or anything to the actual column itself or the up to the wheel.

Thanks for turning the pics Boog, not sure what happened there. They were all right side up when I uploaded them.

[randy500]

The tin is around the turn signal and has to be removed first because the switch wiring path and size of the switch does not allow removal with the tin installed. There is a special tool to pull the tin cover

[randy500]

To remove the tin cover without the proper tool...

Remove shift indicator housing
Remove light bulb green plastic cover and metal cover under that, then remove light bulb.
Remove tilt and turn signal levers.
Using a chisel or flat blade screwdriver and hammer tap off tin cover. With column installed you may need to remove the gauge panel to make clearance for hammer and chisel. Search for this thread "tilt column gurus" for more advise