Modified 57 Ford Steering - Anyone recognize this steering box?

My 57 Ford has manual steering and came with a mid-70's chrysler tilt/telescoping steering column and wheel in it.

The steering box is whipped. We pulled the box last night, and I can't tell if it's a modified original box, or if it's from something else. I found documentation on the car that suggested it night have been late 60's mopar.

If it's a Ford box, they cut the shaft down and welded a rag joint so that it would work with the Chrysler column. Actually it looks like this was done no matter what box it is, the weld definitely didn't look factory.





I want to stay with manual steering on this car. I tried to contact "wurthit" for a rack conversion kit, but they are obviously out of business or no longer selling the kit. I did contact JTFabrication and they will sell me a kit with a manual rack for under $1k.

It appears my options are to either:

1. Find out what this box is, buy a rebuilt version and modify it to work with the rag joint.
2. Buy the JTFabrication rack conversion kit which utilizes a cavalier rack.

I was thinking if option 1 is $500 or less, I will do that, but if it's more, I may as well spend a bit more and get the rack kit. Anyone have any input on what this box is, or any opinions on what I should do?

Thanks for any info you can offer.

 

It very much appears to be a 57 Ford steering box with the shaft cut and rag joint added. The casting number is definitely Ford. If you need further verification I can go out later (after the frost melts) and check the casting number on my 57.

 

I believe that is a 1955-57 T-bird steering box, same mounting bolt pattern as the standerd 57' car box

 

If you don't feel confidant to overhaul that box yourself, I would send it to Lares Corp. in Cambridge MN for a rebuild. Just ask that the shaft that has been cut be reused or the new one made to match it. 1 - 888 - 280 - 6386
These guys do good work, have a reasonable turn around, and are less expensive than any I have seen.

 

I would appreciate it. It looks just slightly different from all the pics I can find of a stock box.

 

You might be right, I will see what I can find out, thank you.

Thanks for the tip, I will give them a call.

 

Are you aware Borgeson is now making a bolt in power box for the 57 up Ford's? If I were doing mine again I'd go that way. I have driven a 58 with the power rack and it don't corner for Squat not to mention the head ache with the steering shafts. Your box appears to be a 57-58 unit. 57 was the last year Ford ran a horn wire all the way out the bottom of the shaft. (hole in bottom of lower cap) If you go with a 58 column the horn wire comes out under the dash with signal wires. Makes life easier.
The Wizzard

 

The problem is, I don't want power. I really prefer manual steering in this car. I care more about how it drives in a straight line, because we are likely going to put 550hp or so in it.

 

If it were me I'd just go back to stock clear to the steering wheel. Nothing wrong with Factory stuff.
The Wizzard

 

If I am not mistaken '58 was the first year for Ford to use a recirculating ball type steering box which IMHO is an improvement.

 

I'd check out getting that box rebuilt.