so i ordered the new bushing for my steering shaft from http://www.rocksolidramtrucksteering.com/, installing it like per the instructions provided with no problems. when i get to the part where i have to hammer the bushing into the grommet, the 4 little welds that hold the jacket assembly (perforated metal sleeve) to the grommet came loose. i didn't realize what had happened and continued to hammer with a rubber mallet which pushed the grommet down the shaft and frayed the jacket assembly. i need anyone's help on how to fix this asap please! i'm about to drill out the welds and screw the jacket to the grommet (it looks like that won't affect the steering). i've tried to contact david who sold me the part but his phone number is disconnected and it taked him two weeks to email me back.

 

i've hammered the jacket assembly back into place and tried to make it as snug as possible around the grommet but it's still loose because the welds or whatever they were are gone. they almost look like the factory used a punch to attach them because there are little dimples. sorry if this is hard to read. thanks for any help

 

well i drilled three of the five "punches" or welds or whatever they are and used screws with lockwashers to reattach the jacket assembly to the grommet. it feels solid enough but i can't test it yet because some a-hole that did repair work on my truck a while back completely stripped out one of the holes for the two bolts that hold the steering column up under the dash cluster. so i fix one problem (maybe) only to find 3 more (didn't mention the other 2). i want to load this truck with explosives and push it over a cliff...