[Pinchecharlie]

Wow absolutely great tech! Thank you!
I removed both bearings and ordered new ones. The lower one is odd as it has alot of room to wiggle around. Your right I think the spring oriented the bearing or as you said loads it. The upper I knew from reading was part of the plastic turn signal and must have been an aftermarket replacement because it looks like a nine year old Chinese kid made it with potmetal toaster parts. It easy has an 1/8 th inch slop in every direction. Poor design but it is what it is. I ordered another Chinese part before I realized it so well see if it's junk before I re order an nos one for 150 bucks. Either way it's better than a grand for a flamingididit column , at least right now? It'll take alot more anger and confusion to get there lol!

The lower bearing is in a aluminum housing that attaches to the steel "tube" part of the column in the engine bay. It is clamped with two bolts in a slot that from my minds eye allows it to rotate. If you go one direction it tightens the other it loosens correct? So it seems like a fine tune right?

I don't think you could get to the lower to remove it with the column in the truck unless you did what I did and cut your shaft. Maybe you could but it's a maybe. You would have to lift the shaft up as high through the upper bearing/ turn signal (or remove all that stuff) at the same time you would have to slide the lower bearing/ housing down the shaft to the rag joint.
NOPE CAN'T DO IT! The stock rag joint is welded on the shaft!
Only reason/way is if you cut it because your doing the power steering up grade thing! Sorry!!

Picture of curved slot and lower bearing housing. Seems like it raises and lowers as you turn it right (sorry iam dumb)
Other picture is upper bearing looks like a bearing for a kids toy ! Not that wrll thought out huh

Now I want to know too if you could service the lower without removing column lol! Maybe take off steering gear box and pass the shaft or under the fender?