Steering rod bearing question

[ShawnAgne]

Ok replaced the strearing rod/u-joints and the death wobble is gone. Actually drove it full throttle for the first time, it's fast. I'll still check and probably flip the bull gear and check the wheel and steering bearings too. But the bearing I did replace is the one that holds the rod. The original rod had worn 0.057" in the bearing, the bearing had opened up thus allowing the wobble. New bearing is really tight. But got me thinking as anyone or did anyone ever replace that "bearing" (more just a sleeve that holds grease) with somthing like a pillow block bearing? Here is what I'm thinking
1. Reason it had slop was because the bearing was loose and rod had wear.
2. Since it was loose and rod had wear it sure did turn REALLY NICE.
3. With the new Rod and bearing there is no wear and it is tight.
4. Since it is tight it turns a lot harder.
5. Because it is compression and uses grease and grease attracts dirt it will wear over time (ok maybe 70 years) but eventually go back to what had happened.
Sooo
1. If you use a pillow block bearing you would have a near frictionless rotation of the steering rod.
2. It won't develop any slop
3. I'd just need to make a plate to mount the bearing and then mount to the frame.

Thinking somthing like this

UCP204-12 Pillow Block Ball Bearing - 3/4" Bore – PGN

UCP204-12 Pillow Block Ball Bearing - 3/4" bore. Reliable performance for industrial applications. Shop now at PGN Bearings.

pgnbearings.com

Has anybody ever done this?
Thoughts?

 

[ShawnAgne]

Ok replaced the strearing rod/u-joints and the death wobble is gone. Actually drove it full throttle for the first time, it's fast. I'll still check and probably flip the bull gear and check the wheel and steering bearings too. But the bearing I did replace is the one that holds the rod. The original rod had worn 0.057" in the bearing, the bearing had opened up thus allowing the wobble. New bearing is really tight. But got me thinking as anyone or did anyone ever replace that "bearing" (more just a sleeve that holds grease) with somthing like a pillow block bearing? Here is what I'm thinking
1. Reason it had slop was because the bearing was loose and rod had wear.
2. Since it was loose and rod had wear it sure did turn REALLY NICE.
3. With the new Rod and bearing there is no wear and it is tight.
4. Since it is tight it turns a lot harder.
5. Because it is compression and uses grease and grease attracts dirt it will wear over time (ok maybe 70 years) but eventually go back to what had happened.
Sooo
1. If you use a pillow block bearing you would have a near frictionless rotation of the steering rod.
2. It won't develop any slop
3. I'd just need to make a plate to mount the bearing and then mount to the frame.

Thinking somthing like this

UCP204-12 Pillow Block Ball Bearing - 3/4" Bore – PGN

UCP204-12 Pillow Block Ball Bearing - 3/4" bore. Reliable performance for industrial applications. Shop now at PGN Bearings.

pgnbearings.com

Has anybody ever done this?
Thoughts?

Never mind, forgot about the U-joint and having to slide the bearing past that...........