Steering Box Question

I'm planning a cowl steering set up for my RPU and was wondering if anyone could suggest a good box to use.

When the steering wheel is turned to the right the pitman arm needs to pull. When the steering wheel is turned to the left it needs to push.

I thought a '40 box would work but it is backwards. So it looks like I have a decent '40 box to trade.

Would an aluminum, mid '60's Mopar box work? Modernbeat was praising the Suzuki Samuari box once also but I can't remember if he was talking about a cowl steer set up.



Thanks, JH

 

Jim, You need a pick up box. The F-1 would have the same splines as your '40 box. I am going out to a yard that has some pick ups of that era. I will price one if you are interested.All you really need is the housing. The guts are the same. Your shaft was mailed yesterday. Would you like a sketch of how to join the shafts without welding them together? I have a bent pitman arm that could be used for the splines.

 

When stuck with a wrong way box. Has anybody thought about extending the shaft out the passenger side? Or would that be too stupid.

 

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When stuck with a wrong way box. Has anybody thought about extending the shaft out the passenger side? Or would that be too stupid.

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We need a steering box exchange program with Australia. Their right hand drive boxes would work perfect here for this application.

 

Andy, if the guts are the same that would mean the gears are the same. That, in turn, should mean that the truck box "pushes" and "pulls" just like the '40 box right? Am I missing something? Help me understand if I am.

Remember, if it matters, my pitman arm exits the cowl and hangs down.

I'd like the see that sketch on mating the two shafts. No matter what box I end up with, that info would probably be helpful.

296, that would be one option I guess. It will probably be much easier to find the right box than to fabricate the braces needed to support a shaft all the way across the cowl.

Thanks guys, Jim

 

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When stuck with a wrong way box. Has anybody thought about extending the shaft out the passenger side? Or would that be too stupid.

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We need a steering box exchange program with Australia. Their right hand drive boxes would work perfect here for this application.

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Dr.J that's funny. At lunch I was thinking that if my machine shop had agreed to weld an extension in my pitman arm shaft that I would be stuck with this thing.... OR I could ship it to some of our Aussie HAMBers.

JH

 

The pick up box is cast with the steering shaft coming out below the sector instead of on top. It reverses the box just like they used to do with Corvair boxes. I guss you could do the same with the '40 box. You would cap off the extension on the box were the shaft originally came thru.A freese plug and some J B weld would do that. A plate with a seal would be made to go on the other end. Reassemble with the shaft coming out the opposite end and it's reversed.

 

What about having the pitman pointing in the other direction (i.e. up instead of down) and mount the box lower?
I have a small box out of a Postal Jeep -DJ5 that I think is going to work in the DOGG Bucket

 

Toyota FJ40 1964-1971 box turns the right way... and looks pretty good too.... 4 turns lock to lock... but you can move the drag link down the pitman arm to decrease the ratio...let me know if you want a pic...

 

Dixiedog, to mount it low enough to point the arm upward (and maintain the correct geometry), the box would be mounted on top of the floor board right in front of my pedals.

Kronik, my Japanese girlfriend used to drink Toyota FJ40's. Thanks for jogging my memory. Oh-la-la.

Seriously, WTF is a Toyota FJ40? I'd like to see a pic if you have one.

Grimlok, my frame is boxed (damn you Boyd) but going low might be an option. Space for pedals and a column is tight though. Post a pic of yours if you can.

Thanks guys - for the help and for not laughing at my stupid ass.

JH

 

My favorite answer to this question is to use this one .

It turns the right way.
It's small everywhere but the pittman shaft, which you want long for cowl steering.
GM A-Body pittman arms fit on it (if you mill out the Nader grooves).
It's made by ZF of transmission fame.
It's got a quick ratio.
It's aluminum.
It's got good mounting hole locations.

-jf

 

Did you use one in your car?

JH

 

Here's a pic of the FJ40 box... I'm told FJ means foriegn jeep.... but the thing is they use a Cevy 235 engine...no not a copy... like most parts will interchange.... and I think the steering box is also early chevy.... like mid 40's.... box's are available since everyone who has an fj wants to switch to power steering....

 

and here's a pic of the whole thing

 

wrong pic ... that was the 235 engine... here's the rig...

 

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Did you use one in your car?
JH

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Yes, but didn't say anything 'cause I don't have any good photos to immediately offer. I can get some though.

-jf

 

I'd love to see the pics when you get them.

Thanks, JH

 

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I'd love to see the pics when you get them.
Thanks, JH

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I'll take some after the holiday weekend and send them to you.

-jf