Ive been buisy slowly gatering parts for a 28 tudor build. Im in the process of boxing and new X member for the frame. I will be soon to install the first front end component after the frame is boxed. The question i am having is approximate location for a Vega Style Steering box. (cross steer) I know there is more to setting up where the box goes , I was hoping there would be a HAMBer out there that just happens to have a Model A with a Vega Box in it and how far back from the front centerline of the axle (center line front X member) is it back on the driver side is it placed? I am putting access holes in my boxing plates and dont want to have one near the area for the steering box placement. thanks
I'm not sure there is the one perfect dimension. I've seen them mounted in a span of 2" to 3". It has as much to do with the length of steering arms you're going to use on the spindles, and how much angle you want to live with going over the the pass. side spindle. There may also be different lengths of pitman arms which would come into play.
Mock up yer motor first....and your tierod.... Then the Vega box can be mocked up with it's draglink parallel with the tierod. My box ended up right under the motor mount.
I just went out and measured mine. It's alittle hard with everything on the car but it sure looks to be pretty close to 7 inches from the center of the cross member to the top mounting bolt of the box. I remember bending the streeing arms on the spindles and the pitman arm for the dropped axle, sothe angle of the box may not be the same in your situation. It would probably be best to mock the front end up and get the steering link running parrallel to the drag link and then put the box there, then you know it's in the right place.
I know its exact possition could be different from car to car depending upon equipment used. just looking for a general area to stay away from while boxing the frame..( I am putting holes in my boxing plates and dont want a hole in my boxing plate where the box needs to be) Im thinking of mocking the engine in the frame once its boxed, and the front suspension will also be installed after boxing the frame. Just dont want a hole in my boxed frame where my steering box needs to be. Guess im just going to stay away from making any holes in that side for now.
I fyou are talking big(3") holes, I would guess anywhere between 6" -12" from the center of the cross member would get you close
ok well it sounds like im clear than..my first hole isnt any closer than 17" to the center of the Front X member.
pete and jakes vega mount plate instructions says to measure back 10 inches from the centerline of the crossmember. It seems like it will be ok on mine but i haven't gotten it in yet. Troy Road Kings C.C. Atlanta GA
Don't do anything with that box until it is time for it. Like others said, wait until the motor and front end stuff is on. No two set-ups will be exactly the same.
I agree with Mr. Ford - it depends on the column you're going to use and the front suspension you're going to use, etc. If you're sure you're going with Pete & Jakes and you've got their entire front end kit sitting in front of you, then the 10'' measurement that Troy gave you is probably safe, but I know Mr. Ford and I both used vega boxes and they are in completely different positions... Hold off until you have all your front suspension pieces nailed down.
Im aware of this.. the question wasnt directed to mounting the Steering box,,it was so i didnt put a hole im my boxing plate where the mount for the steering box should be..Eventually
Its all good..im no where near the general vacinity of where the box may end up with any of my frame holes.
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