The original steering box is binding at center and adjustments dont help...time for a vega box with rotating ball on sector. Probally the old gears are worn . So I researched using the new repop Vega box with INTERNAL reverse gears (no, not reversed input shaft...)in the stock location...but would have to weld a '33-34 mounting flange onto the sector snout and some peoples tell me the vega boxes are cast iron NOT cast steel. So now looking at cross steer mount...but looks like there is minimal room especially for typical flathead headers...any pixs out there? Its Flathead engine in stock location even the crank hole in grille lines up with crankshaft. PS some sites state the original 33-34 box and column can be removed from underneath car after removing steering wheel and disconnecting column drop, but i ended up dissasembling the steering box almost completely, under the car, before i could extract the greasy chunks... Please don't recommend the infameous F1 ...the thing has the input shaft below the sector which is the opposite of 1933-34.
You do realize that the steering is designed to be tight (not binding) at center and looser off of center. Off of center when your are turning the slop is taken up by the wheels trying to return to a straight line. The F1 box is a good choice and several people are using them. Try asking on fordbarn.com Are you sure you understand what is happening? Didn't the later box that followed the F1 have the input shaft above the worm. Of course the gears are machined so it doesn't mater where the sector shaft is except for clearance with the engine (I run bangers so there is not a problem with either). Charlie Stephens
I saw a F1 box in a 1934 Ford the steering wheel ends up too close to the windshiels & dash at the top, and the steering column comes out of the floorboards way lower than stock...someone out there must have put a vega cross steer box in a 1933-34 with flathead engine.....my original box is indeed binding it has a rough spot on the worm and sector.....
An F-100 (1953 thru 1960 or so) would put the steering shaft above the sector. Basically the same location as the stock column. You will need to modify the shaft for length and a taper at the top, and the flange to match the 33 pattern. But these things have only been done a few thousand times by now. Or have NealinCA build you one if you want a brand new bolt-in deal. He can make it so easy youda thought Henry made it himself.
Sounds like someone moved the box back to clear the exhaust manifold, maybe too far back. That would result in the steering coming out of the floor way lower than stock and the steering wheel being too close to the windshield. Or maybe it is an F100 box that required being moved that far back. No insult intended (since I don't know your background) but have you had someone that understands the original steering adjust it? Did you adjust it according to the Service Bulletins? I don't have any trouble with the original box in my AVATAR and it is basically the same box. Try posting your question about the F1 box on fordbarn.com. Charlie Stephens
Fordbarn chided me for suggesting a Vega box...HAMB tells me i don't understand these 33-34 boxes...well i have done 8 of em...i just ask for anyone who has pixs of vega cross steer box in a 1933-34 ford with flathead engine.
OK no problem....Here pixs of a F100 steering box (1953-1955 Ford pickup) )mock-up being done on our 1933 Ford Roadste r. This is the correct box to use because the steering shaft is ABOVE the sector shaft just like on the original 1933-34 box. Don't use the 1948-1952 F1 steering box because the steering wheel ends up too close to the dash..and the steering column ends up too low between the pedals.
Really interested in what you are doing. I have a 34 that needs a steering box. Can you give some tips? Thanks
The big flange on the stock 1953-55 F100 steering box must be cut off (maybe 56 also?) . See 'Vern Tardel' info online for a rough guide which aplys toModel A and '32 but not exactly to 33-34. The new flange i cut out of 1/2" steel as you maybe can see i used a Menards 'Mastercraft' 2" hole saw to bore the hole at an angle to duplicate the frame angle. I drilled several small holes in the path of the cut first to help, and lots of oil...will post more pixs as progress continues.
Great pictures, I'm at this step right now on my f100 box for a 34, how did you figure out the correct hole angle on the new flange? Thanks
best way is to put it in the car with the column bolted to the dash, and your new flange bolted to the frame, and then tac weld it in place. keep it as close to the rail as you dare as space for exhaust is very limited in that area
Just some info that may be of interest is the early 33's had a 15 to 1 ratio steering gear and the they changed it to 17 to 1 for at some point in 1933 to 34... Required a different worm and sector gear...
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