Just wondering why people use the 53-56 ford steering box on Model A's etc. but not the 57-60 or 61-66 F100 boxes thanks in advance
I think it is for clearance. The f-100 box has the steering column on the upper side of the box and the f-1 in on the bottom.
I've pulled boxes out of pre 56 and post 57, but never set them next to each other. I would bet the column length is different, and probably the mounting flange is different. But those will probably both be modified when used in an A anyways. The F-1 is 48-52.
In 1956 Ford went for Safety throuhout its whole range of vehicles. On the trucks this ment going from the flat '53-'55 steering wheel to a deep dish version to keep drivers from being speared by the steering shaft in a crash. While the steering box design is the same on'53-'56 trucks the '56 has a shorter column which fits perfectly in a hot rod and the '56 F100 steering became the box of choice in the sixties and seventies untilit was replaced by the mustang box.
looks and wheel placement. Some guys like the look of the earlier style with the nut holding the pitman arm on. I have the later with a pinch bolt and prefer it. I looks more clean in my opinion but would'nt ever turn my nose up at the earlier. The later ones kick the wheel up at an angle that is a little more friendly from the seat.
I think you are confusing the F-1 (1948-52) with the F-100 (1953-56, 57- and up). The F-1 has the big nut and the shaft below the sector, and the F-100 has the pinch bolt and the shaft above the sector.
Friendly is a relative term. I used an F-1 in my 32 sedan because it clears the headers and block better. And I don't mind the 1 degree difference in the column angle. Plus it fits in the stock frame hole with the splined end instead of the big sector and pinch bolt.
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