When I adjust the steering box screw as per the manual, tight enough to remove virtually all the vertical movement of the sector shaft, there's a pronounced "notch" as the steering wheel p***es through the center of its travel. Not "slight resistance" or "a little more drag," I mean a definite detent. I could probably drive hands-off for miles with the wheel in the notch and the wheel wouldn't move. Well, ... I'm ***uming this indicates serious wear of either the worm, the sector, or both. QUESTION: Is it true that the '52 through '57 steering boxes are all the same? Are any of them the same? I'm only interested in doing a bolt-in replacement. I haven't found a company that will rebuild my steering box; Randy Meyer at Stanger said they didn't work on these boxes. Up through '51 and from '55 up --- OK. Just not '52 through '54. Don't know why. I see "rebuild kits" at various vendor sites, but I can't get any information on country of origin. Imagine that. QUESTION: Have you a recommendation of someone who does a first-cl*** job rebuilding these? Thanks.
Try www.usapartssupply.com for a 52-54 rebuilt box,only 52-54 boxes interchange in length of the "spear".You could rebuild your own,send our member rustyfords a pm I think he has pictures on file he could send you.
I rebuilt mine a few months ago. Well I tore it apart and had it rebuilt local. I will look through all my catalogs and see who can rebuild it for you. If you haven't taken it out, I can send you all the pics that will explain how to put it back together so you can reverse the proccess.
What you discribe is normal, you have the screw to tight. This is the "high spot". To get the play out of the steering box, loosen the screw, then adjust the bearing preload, then adjust the screw again but not so tight. Fill the gear box with good lube. I like straight STP.
Thanks, JeffB2, 54HotRod, and Ole Don. I wish this board allowed individual replies. I'll check with rustyfords and see what he says. I found that C&G will rebuild it, but they won't give me a price until I send it to them to look at. Other sources will be appreciated. Ole Don, I don't think this is normal. If I back off the adjustment so the "notch" is less, then there's way too much play in the steering. I can literally grab the pitman arm and turn the sector shaft back and forth without moving the steering wheel. I don't have the proper spring scale to set the preload.
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