Steering Column play (forward/backward) broken bearing?

[BigFoot]

Hi,
So after finally fixing my front cab mounts I noticed that my steering column has some major play.
I have a 1971 F250 2WD.
My cab was sagging so far forward that my clutch and my throttle linkage was off and also my steering was difficult.
So, while fixing everything else I found some ball bearings stuck to the oil and grime on my frame just below where the steering column exits the firewall.
I also noticed a ring (most likely the bearing retainer) sagging down around the slip collar. I also noticed a SIGNIFICANT gap in between the steering wheel and the column.
I opened the hood and door, reached in and pushed down on the wheel and watched the entire shaft move on the rag joint. its sprung up so far that the rag joint is the only thing keeping the two together. I'm sure that the force on the column from the cab sagging broke the bearing but is there some sort of circle clip or retainer that had broke at the bottom of the column that keeps it from pulling toward the driver? Does anyone know what other parts i should buy besides a new rag joint?

Thanks!

[Mach428]

Since you are replacing the rag joint, I would suggest pulling the column from the vehicle and going through to replace bearings and everything else. It sounds difficult but it is not and you will really like the difference it will make in the steering ease.

[BigFoot]

Ok, So I ordered the parts. New Rag joint, upper and lower bearings and lower bearing retainer. I recently replaced the turnsignal switch.
Is there anyone that has an exploded view of the column? Otherwise I'll just pull it apart and put it back together.

[sargentrs]

Pick your application from here http://www.fordification.com/tech/schematics_c.htm

[BigFoot]

Done! I rebuilt the whole column. Its pretty easy once you realize that the steering flange on the bottom of the steering shaft doesn't come off and that you have to pull the rod out into the engine compartment! New rag joint, bearings, Bearing reatiner and power steering box input shaft seal. Its SOOOOO much better now, and it doesn't LEAK!!!

Thanks for all the help!