Technical 1955 Savoy steerin box issue

Hi.
Oh lord im tired. Been looking for replacement non power steering box for my 55 Desoto (Savoy). There is enough play to cause vibration when driving. Im open for good spare or a replacement part from another vehicle. Im good if there needs to be some modification to fit the new part. All the adjustments are down to zero.

 

Make sure there's not also too much play in places like tie rod ends, drag link, idler and pitman arms, ball joints or king pins and wheel bearings. The vibration you feel may be coming from a number of different sources.

 

You might find one for a Plymouth Savoy.

 

try Forwardlook.net

 

Where are you located? The US-spec DeSoto is quite a different animal than our Savoy, but I know some export DeSoto cars were based on the US Plymouth platform. If it is an export car, it would also help to know if it's left hand or right hand drive. A left hand drive steering box from a '55 Plymouth wouldn't be all that hard to find here in the US, but might be expensive to ship, as I think the steering shaft is integrated into the box, making it very large and awkward to ship.

 

Or cut it and install a joint.

 

Here are few pics.
Its an export Diplomat same as Savoy at technical specs. Left hand drive and located in Finland.
All the suspension and steering parts are in good condition or new. The only thing that comes up is that exessive play on steering box. Its about 3mm.

 

Left hand drive will make it much easier to find one, should be the same as a US spec Plymouth.

I do notice there is a big welded plate on the frame right next to the box, was that a repair? Are you 100% sure the frame isn't flexing there and causing vibration? It's odd that there's a big welded patch there, makes me wonder why that was done and if that's not affecting it.

If tha'ts not it, like @George said, if you found one in the states you could have the seller cut the steering shaft off with a just a few inches sticking out, then re-attach yours with a joint or even a sleeve if there's room, just to save on the shipping cost.

 

3mm sounds pretty good to me.

 

Actualy iv welded a patch on the otherside to prevent flexing. Now that you mentionet im starting to wonder is the frame thick enough from the box side too. Il just might enforce that too. Thats a good idea.

 

I had one of those steering boxes in my blue '29 Tudor avatar. It had nearly a half turn of slop! My research found it was '55-'56 Plymouth. Since not stock, I replaced it with a '40 Ford box to match the front axle, which of course is no help for you.

Dave

 

yea. This mite not be an box issue after all. Something wicked happens in front end when going over 50mph. Like mentioned before there aint no extra play on any joint or bushing. Something makes this baby shake and bake.

 

A small update. I found an exessive ampunt of play in slip yoke bushing. Max is 0.010” and its like douple or more. Box is a 904