I ended up taking the column out and when i took the ind switch retainer plate off the shaft, it turned easily but on closer inspection the spring clip that should sit in front of the upper bearing is missing and the groove for it isn't visible but the bearing is tight on the shaft.
Any ideas ?

69 Dart GTS 440 mopar .590 cam, Edelbrock heads, 3200#
best et 6.45, 106.78, 10.14, 132.88 mph, 1.47 60ft
best 60ft 1.36