Steering noisy and not smooth

[sixt9rsx33]

I did not restore my steering column (screw up) when I restored my 69 Charger. Now I am focused on the upper steering bearing replacement. Does not seem to difficult to do but wanted to make sure I was on the right track. When I redid the car, I stored the steering wheel and the weight of the column on the wheel. The column was vertical with the weight on the wheel. Does this sound like it could had ruined the bearing? Anyone know of there is another area I should be focusing on to correct the clunky steering? The steering box is new. Car drives great otherwise.