I have a standard issue 11/4 od column with a 3/4 od inner tube.
Does anyone know of a shoulder type needle or ball bearing that
would replace the plastic one? Looking to get rid of as much slack
as possible. Thank You

I made my own column being a machinist so I can't suggest a specific bearing but I would suggest having someone make them out of Delrin (Acetal) plastic. That's what I used on mine. You can make them pretty tight and Delrin is pretty good at wear resistance.

If you don't have any machinist buddies and could get me good drawings of what you need I could make you some. I have lots of Delrin laying around and it would only take about 30 minutes. I would make it a press fit into the tube and give about .005" around the shaft.

Monte, consider shopping at McMaster-Carr and other such outlets for a needle bearing. McMaster has detailed drawings of most such items. Might find a part number, then source locally.

Larry, the problem with running a needle bearing is that the surface of the shaft running through it needs to be hardened or it will wear.

Just like a needle bearing in the rear of a trans versus a bushing. The needle yoke is hardened.

Ran across Hammer Concepts & Design tonight. They have a needle bearing setup just like I was looking for. Planing on calling them tomorrow. Their products look like great quality.

Monte, I checked the Hammer website; it sure looks like some excellent products.
https://hammerconceptsanddesigns.com/

Curtis, in my opinion, because the steering shaft is a very low-speed, relatively light-load application, the needle bearing wearing the shaft would not be an issue. Take a look at the above website under steering.

Larry, I agree that it would take time to wear compared to something moving faster but I stand by what I wrote.

They have a nice looking kit that is for certain. I might have to look into that carbon column just for the cool factor. I made mine out of stainless outer tubing and had the 3/4 inner tube elctroless nickel plated.

Today I ordered the Hammer needle bearing kit. Should be here Wednesday or Thursday and really looking forward to trying this kit out. These guys sell high quality components and will probably do more business in the future.