1952-59 Ford Is it a 2 or 3 tooth steering sector

Can someone tell me how to identify weather my steering sector is a 2 or 3 tooth on a 56 fairlane and weather it is in need of replacement by looking at it? Thanks in advance

 

Externally, the only difference between the two steering boxes is that, the 3 tooth sector shaft seal is 1 1/4" and the 2 tooth is 1 1/8". This is the outside diameter of the shaft just above the spline for the pitman arm. Early 56 used the two tooth and late 56/7 used 3 tooth.
It may be a bit tight to get a pair of calipers in there to check.
Joblot Automotive have all the bits you need.
Regards

 

Thanks Rick, that helps a bunch. I have it out and apart to install new seals so measureing is easy. Can you tell me what the teeth or gears are supposed to look like to determine if they are useable or need replaced?

 

There is no mistaking if the teeth are u/s. The hard facing of the surfaces will break down and usually be big voids where the metal falls out. Generally the sector wheels dont wear as much as the worm from memory. If the surfaces are nice and smooth they are fine and will just need adjustmentvwhen you put it back together. The important thing is to make surevther is no endplay in the steering column shaft which is adjusted by shum gaskets, also available from joblot auto.
I like to leave some play in the steering which will tend to make the shaft and roller last a little longer. Just make sure you replace the sector shat seal and keep plenty of oil in the box. I use straight lucas oils heavy duty stabiliser which is really sticky.
Regards