I installed one of these in a '99 1500/46RE last night. This will be long but perhaps helpful to someone in the future.

The company's website:
https://rocksolidramtrucksteering.com/

First, while the replacement bushing is touted as an "upgrade", it's really only an upgrade if your existing bearing has slop. It's not really an upgrade but more like a clever, simple substitute for a bearing which is no longer sold.....or at least they say it's no longer sold -- I didn't try shopping for a replacement bearing.

Secondly, I opted to replace the bearing with the brake booster installed. This makes the job a bit like surgery with a scope. If you have hydroboost you're stylin'. Or you can opt to unbolt the master cylinder and pull the brake booster. You'll have to determine which is more work: contort yourself around the booster, or contort yourself under the dash to unbolt the booster.

Tools I found useful to complete the job with the booster in place:
- two good worklights. I was able to position one on either side of the booster, and I wore a headlamp. This will vary based upon your age and vision. I'm at a stage where my vision is still decent but I NEED light
- a small step stool. I'm a bit over 5'10" and was working on a stock height 4wd.
-a pencil die grinder with cutting disc to cut the stock retaining washer
https:/www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000RH36WU?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title
-a small indexable pry bar to help get the old bearing out. I was able to lever between the stock bearing cup and shift lever arm
https://www.amazon.com/GEARWRENCH-82301-Piece-82208-82210/dp/B00150136Y/ref=mp_s_a_1_13?crid=23QCHUXYGYZWN&keywords=8%22%2 Bindexable%2Bpry%2Bbar&qid=1677953518&sprefix=8%2B indexable%2Bpry%2Bbar%2Caps%2C218&sr=8-13&th=1&psc=1
-quality pliers to also help pull the old bearing cup out
-spring clamp pliers to install the provided clamp. I have some now-discontinued Channelocks but these appear similar
https://www.amazon.com/IAG-Performance-Multi-Directional-Clamp-Pliers/dp/B0B7Z1VNMK/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1KXUTEKI4K3Z4&keywords=B0B7Z1VNMK& qid=1677954720&sprefix=hose+clamp+pliers%2Caps%2C4 522&sr=8-1

Stock pieces removed

Hose clamp pliers help to retain your sanity (if you have any left)

 

Also I'm not trying to undercut them but I can provide dims on the bushing (for automatic trans only) if anyone has a lathe and a hunk of acetal

 

This weird crud was in the bottom of the stock bearing. I honestly don't know exactly what it is. Just useless trivia:

 

Probably the remains of whatever used to seal that bearing...... Either that, or something further up the column is wearing away.

 

Was there a part number anywhere on that bearing?

 

I pressed it out but can't find a single marking. The bearing is 40x25x9mm if anyone is a bearing guru.

I don't think the 9mm thickness is super critical. It could likely be 7mm or 10mm or more. This bearing is almost completely radiused on the OD with virtually no square edges, but I think a more typical squared bearing would work.

The only contender I could find was $57 on ebay. If it were more like $10 to $15 I'd order one for giggles. I could also only find more conventional sealed bearings.

I almost want to take it to a real bearing house and see if they could find a possible affordable substitute

 

Actually I found a 25x40x10 on AliExpress for $6. I ordered one just to see.

I'm not sure the spring is necessary with a sealed bearing, which would be nice to delete

 

Well, I can't see any reason this bearing won't work. This would be a far more affordable option than the Rock Solid bushing.

Overall shot/shape


Presses into stock cup

Stock plastic washer/dust shield still snaps into place

 

Actually, that seems like a REALLY good idea. A bearing in that location will likely NEVER wear out......

 

Well the factory uses a "wedding ring" (my term) bearing as shown in Post 6, but I feel this bearing is simply the equivalent of the aftermarket bushing....except with rollers 'n stuff......

AliExpress has 'em in 10 packs of course. If a guy wanted he could order some and distribute to the 2nd Gen community. I doubt there'd be much profit in it. I paid about $6 for a single but it took a solid two weeks to arrive via postal from Wuhan Institute of Bearingology. I read somewhere good ol' "Fowch" endorsed this as safe and effective for use in 2nd Gens. I just put it on the internet so it must be true.