1952-59 Ford 55/56 Ford MANUAL steering box options

I am in the process of making a rolling ch***is and am getting things done on the front end. I will be resting stock a arms and steering linkage. Manual steering, floor shift manual.

I've had luck only finding things about power steering in these cars, using stock ***ist, jeep box, cavalier rack, etc.

Has anyone used a non stock manual box, and or column? Can you tell me what you used, how you like it? Is it worth the trouble, or should I just do a good rebuild on the stock stuff? I have all stock components, but before I put the time and effort into rebuilding it, I figured I'd field the question.

I've heard about swapping to a 58/59 ford fullsize box for the better recirculating bearing, but does anyone have any more info on this? Also, is a 57 more similar to 56 or to 58? I think I have one kicking around.

Thanks for any and all input.

 

Take a look at page 5 of the FAQ Stickys at the top of the page.

 

I have 59 manual box in my 56 wagon works good

 

While a cool idea, I am just looking for manual steering.

 

any mods needed? any difference in turns to lock, radius etc?

 

Sorry it took so long to reply the gear box bolts right an the pitman arm works ok i used a 58 colium an shifter that way you can use the stock horn ****on mine drives real good good road feel on the hiway a little stiff around town not as strong as i once was ha ha if you need anymore in fo let me know

 

no worries, thanks for the info!

 

I'm going to go against the grain here a little. Have you thought about getting your 56 box rebuilt? I had mine rebuilt and the car drives excellent.

 

some one ground down the box for an FE manifolds

 

Where would you send a stock box to get rebuilt ?

 

Sent mine to Redheads steering. They do excellent work.

Sent from my SM-G950U using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

THANK YOU !!!

 

you asked...........57's in general, including suspension, steering, etc. are more like a '58 than a '56, but as far as the steering box goes, alot of '57 guys have replaced their units with a 58 or newer. Chances are, the '57 box you have kicking around somewhere won't be any better than what you've got.

 

I sent mine to Redhead steering gears for rebuild ...I'll keep you posted

 

Maverick box in my 54

 

Tell us more what did it take to adapt it,I guess that would eliminate the "deadly spear" ?

 

This is why I'm leaning to a Borgeson box for my car.

 

Any update?

 

that's what I did to my 55 and I am pretty happy with it