1952-59 Ford Manual Steering Box Question 1956

I have done a lot of searching and can only find information on Power Steering box swaps.
What I would like to know is if there is a bolt in swap for my manual steering on my 56 Styleline to enable me to have a better/newer box and to facilitate using a ididit tilt column, while retaining manual steering.

Thanks

 

Ford used the "deadly spear" steering boxes into the 60's before changing to a collapsible column there are some ideas here than can be adapted to our Fords,use your imagination and disregard the mention of power steering and consider manual steering cars from the same era.You can rebuild your existing steering box and adapt a tilt column as was done here: http://www.fordfalcon2000.com/restoration/powersteering.htm

 

Thanks, I had heard the term 'deadly spear' before but never got it....now I do!

 

Here in Oz most people use our Falcon steering boxes which require a small notch cut into the ch***is rail to allow the drag link to clear the bottom of the ch***is. They then fit a late model collapsible tube inside the original outer column. This even allows the standard wheel and indicators to work. This works just the same with the manual or power steering box, though the power steering box uses a shorter column with rag joints on both. I have heard that Volvo boxes from the 70's are good fit too but have not seen whether they have rag joint universals or not.All these boxes are recirculating ball and seem to last forever.

 

Since rick55 brought up the Volvo box check out this when I put it in "Search" http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/search.php?searchid=9291885 It seems this is very popular with the "Shoebox" crowd which would apply to our Fords as well.

 

No go on the link Jeff.

 

WEIRD!! Fixed it,tested it and it worked.

 

Still not working.

 

You are right it quit again! Anyway go click on the HAMB go to Hokey *** Message Board, click on search on the right and put in "volvo steering box" and lots of posts come up,why the links go away is beyond me.

 

1964 Galaxie

Don't know if it will bolt on without modification but it uses a ragjoint.

The '64 box is internally better than the earlier boxes.

 

Thanks all, I may just cut the spear at the box, have it machined for a D universal. I really dont want to get too deep into modifications and steering geometry.

 

The 59 and newer box with three bolts holding on an aluminum cover should be a recirculating ball gearbox. Friction free.