I am thinking of just rebuilding my stock 34 steering gear box on my pickup instead of going to a Vega or something else.My plans are to put a Y-block and 5 speed in it,full fendered truck.Has anyone rebuilt theirs and used it in a rod? How does it measure up compared to a later box?
Don't have to use a vega box...I believe that those are used only for cross-steer applications. Keep your drag-link, and use an early F1 Ford truck box. I think '48 thru '52 was used a lot. '53 thru '56? is a little larger, but can still be used. Not sure I've got the years exactly right, goin' by memory...maybe someone can here can clarify. I think you can adapt your original column to it. Your original box doesn't use the recirculating bearings like the later boxes do...that's one of the main disadvantages. Also, as hotrod-Linkin said, you can't adjust the excess play out, 'cause the worm-gear is probably quite worn. Do some searching...there have been many articles written about using the Ford truck steering boxes. Good luck - Rick
I had my original '32 steering box rebuilt with a '34 worm and sector. The ratio is much better than the stock '32 and if set up correctly there is minimal slop. With 5:25x16 bias front tires it steers great.
The F1 box is a good swap, but the input shaft enters the box below the sector shaft so you'll have to modify the toeboard and possibly bend the pedals to accomodate the change in where the column exits the cab. F100 box has the worm above the sector like the 34 but can sometimes be a hassle because of its larger size. With either of these you'll have to find a way to mount the box at the correct angle to line up with your column drop, either a tapered shim between the box and rails or fabbing a new mounting flange for the box. I just put an F1 box in my flatheaded 32 frame and I had to modify the exhaust header to make it fit.
Not really. The 34 was sidesteer and the 37-48 boxes are cross-steer. 37 Hudson is a good replacement if you can find one...but like the others said...if the 34 box is rebuildable...use it. If not, replace with a 53-56 F-100 box. Neal
There is a guy in OH who does a quick steer conversion for original Model A thru '33/'34 steering boxes - something like a 15:1 ratio. He says it makes it feel as if it has power steering. John Kovar 330 468-3027 hotrodjohn@alltel.net
I put 40K miles on my 34 using the original box (rebuilt). I am currently building another 34 with the same stock steering. No modifications, looks correct, works good enough for me...
Here's another option, a Gemmer II 15:1 rolling sector box that has been machined for a 32-34 style frame flange to be welded on. It's the one in the middle, between the 37 Hudson on the left and a 32 Ford on the right. It will accept 32-34 Ford pitman arm, a Ford column tube fits and the steering shaft is tapered and keyed for a Ford steering wheel. Neal
I don't have the picture anymore but there was an obvious old picture from the 40-50s that showed the pitman arm looking up. It made the drag link nice and level with a dropped axle and reversed eye spring. (no bump steer) It sure looked better than a Mustang or a Vega. I believe that using the 36 gears was an old hotrod thing that probably got lost when the F-1/F-100 boxes became the norm in the 50s. I used the stock box on my sport coupe with a 39 banjo wheel. It's not power steering but that is part of the feel that I enjoy with an old car. I have an F-1 box in my 34 P/U with a 40 wheel and it's perfectly fine. It might not be as much fun with a small Grant style wheel. The larger diameter helps with the leverage. Fortunately parallel parking on the street is not so common anymore. If you want a streetrod, you might not be happy but if you want a hotrod it should be just fine.
I put a reversed Cast Iron Corvair box in my 34 and made a mount in the frame and bolted it through the frame in the original position. Adapted it to a Cadillac tilt and telescopic column with a new steering wheel ( I forget what brand ) it was like power steering and never had any bump steering. I think any box with bearings to worm is best box. The old 32 33 34 boxes did not return the steering wheel very well after turning around a corner. 34 ford 3 window coupe Hot Rod 31 ford tudor sedan deluxe 27 roadster A-V8-T ( In progress ) 59 Corvette owned over 43 years ( total resto )
I'm an old guy who likes the feel of driving an old car. I have a 32 coupe and 32 rdstr with 34 steering boxes with 17'' steering wheels,and shortened pitman arm. You don't want quicker steering but slower for easier steering' and it uses more of the gears,not just 1/2 turn each way. Might not be for everyone,but my preference.
[I think any box with bearings to worm is best box. The old 32 33 34 boxes did not return the steering wheel very well after turning around a corner. [/QUOTE] Sorry to side track but...wouldn't that be more of a caster issue with the front axle? or possibly stiff ball joints?
Vern Tardel has a cool little "green book" out on early Ford steering systems. In it he details installing a F-1 box into a deuce frame and a F100 into a '34 frame. It cost me about eight bucks but is well worth the purchase price not only for the install info, but for the I.D. and ratio info.
The Jalopy Journal
