1952-59 Ford Stock steering box and Column

Anybody ever adapt a later column to a stock steering box 55 and earlier?

 

Are you thinking along the lines of cutting the shaft to adapt a rag/U joint? Isn't the maverick box working out for you?

 

One of the things that gets brought up in steering box swaps is the angle of the pitman arm,adapting the rag joint is pretty straight forward.

 

Why would a rag joint be desirable?

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Simple, Bye,Bye "Deadly Spear"

 

I see. Thanks, Jeff.

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My 50 Ford I sold in December is coming back home. Steers good, but want to swap the column to work with a cable shift automatic.

A rag joint should never be used as a universal though. FYI

 

Kinda what I thought, just was not sure

 

Exactly! My reference was an 'either-or'. That's not to say that you can't use both.

Reduce road vibration in the steering wheel and, like Jeff suggested, help eliminate the 'deadly spear'.

 

So, I must ask, where to put it, which one would be best and how to install it? I am working on the box and shaft on my 56 wagon. Never occurred that this would be an option.

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You might find this article helpful since Ford used the "deadly spear" thru the early 60's http://www.fordfalcon2000.com/restoration/tiltcolumn.htm

 

Is there a steering box that will fit the 56 and allow the rag joint?
I am not interested in the tilt column and would like to keep the stock wheel and ignition key location.

 

If you want to keep the stock column you will cut the old spear and add this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rag-Joint-Steering-3-4-Diameter-Shaft-Coupler-/151974889912 same company will have a universal rag joint,you need to supply them with the O.D. of your old shaft to get the right parts. http://stores.ebay.com/PERFORMANCE-...?_fsub=9&_sid=223940262&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322

 

Looks like they have some more fun stuff ! http://stores.ebay.com/PERFORMANCE-...37984012&_sid=223940262&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322

 

I am using a manual Maverick box

 

Jeff, I would need 2 of the rag joint couplers, one for the box end and another for the steering wheel end, right? Plus the rag joint itself.

 

Just need the joint near the steering box. Coupler on both ends for the joint.

 

I am confused. From the picture of the coupler, I would need one on the steering box shaft to put the rag joint on and another on the end of the steering shaft to mate to the coupler, I think. Using the 56 box and shaft, it would need to be cut and the coupler flange welded to both the top & bottom of the cut.
Are there any photos available for this alteration?

 

You should only need one of each, I would give the seller a call for details,remember to have your Ford's shaft diameter before you call.

 

Take a look at post #3 here to get an idea what you should end up with: http://forums.vintage-mustang.com/vintage-mustang-forum/825553-quick-67-steering-colom-question.html

 

I do not believe the 56 box has a splined end. Am I wrong?

 

That's correct. If you wanted to use a 56 box the shaft would have to be cut.

 

That is what I thought, then you would need a rag joint adapter on each side.
All this helped, but it looks like my project 50 is being sold, although it was not "for sale"

 

Make up your mind!

 

Edsel 58A, What steering components and pit man arm are you going to use on your 54 ford with the maveric box? They do make a sleeve that is splined to fit over the late model steering boxes and the other side can be 3/4 round or DD or D shafts and they use a set screw to hold it in place. You do not need to use a rag joint.

 

Well............. when you are out in your drive messin with a newly acquired project, and someone stops out of the blue, chats and offers way more than is invested, things happen.

Dave, I am using a 79 Tbird column and midshaft to connect to he box. As for pitman arm, it will be 54 Ford with the Maverick spline.