It’s stands to reason that perhaps a solid shaft would be more sturdy? You need that hole to run the ground wire for the horn, how are people gonna get outta the way?
You trying to make the whole thing, or splice together? I'm sure they are not hard, the angle part for the steering wheel is somehow pressed for shape, not machined. The bottom has very light splines for the worm gear, with a dead spot so it only goes on one way to keep it in time with the key for the wheel
To answer a few questions… I picked up a ‘40 box. Which was cut down. For length change, ie not as the ‘40 is/was, plan would be a machine shop for the taper and splines. I could cut the taper, but no means to support the box end out the rear of my lathe chuck. And after it’s tapered I don’t have means to make splines anyways. I could adjust the length of a ‘36 PU shaft vs a machine shop cost, but wanted to get information ahead of time. Thanks
This is using cross steer in a ‘32 Dodge PU with a ‘46-48 drop tubes front axle. The Dodge had side steer.
You could pull the worm off to fit in your lathe, However I don't think the Ford shaft has thick enough wall to cut the taper for a Ford steering wheel, there will not be enough meat left for strength. Again, I think Ford formed that part with a press and a die, not machined. You mention splines on top? for a GM type steering wheel? The top spline could be rosett welded with a sleeve made by you inside.
@rusty valley , the reply about splines was in regards to the steering gear being splined. I’ve a wheel in mind to use
Steering Shaft Kit for 35-41 Ford Pickup Steering Upgrade Kit for 35-39 Ford w/Axle Front if you are after a sloid shaft with a gm taper and spline buy the borgeson inner shaft for a 57 chevy pas conversion 31.25'' long end to end, with 36 spline 3/4 on the bottom IF the steering wheel you choose is ford, get the splined tapered inner shaft from borgeson for 66 mustang pas conversion Replacement Steering Column Shaft for 1955-1957 Chevy | Borgeson Universal Company > Borgeson Universal Company Steering Column Shaft for 62-66 ChevyII > Borgeson Universal Company Column Shaft / Floor Mount, 65-67 Mustang > Borgeson Universal Company plus are you aware of the differences between a worm and pg worm and roller twin helical ba;ll bearing steering box?