Please help me out, I have all most all of the bugs worked out on the hot rod but the steering box has 3 miles of play in it. I have been told it is a 53-6 Ford truck box. Should I have it rebuilt or go another way and if so what would be the best replacement with out a lot of work? thanks, Joe View attachment 2957172
my vote is to rebuild the box. is the play in the u-joints? when going down the road straight is the box in the middle of it's travel? to test it, drive it and note where the wheel is when going straight. jack it up, pull the drag link off and count the turns of the wheel "lock to lock". divide by two and rotate the wheel to center, this is the spot on those boxes that are the tightest when adjusted correctly. the drag link should line up and the wheels should be straight.
I'm with sawbuck. It may not be the whole issue, but may very well contribute to it. The box is easy to re-do. I put worm gear and bearings in one I had in a '32 p.u. and really improved it.
Didn't the A have a square shaft, instead of round? To me, it looks like a F100 53-up anyways...those old truck boxes have a very wide ratio, so any wear will really show up at the steering wheel. Like tb33 said, make sure it's centered (after you rebuild it).
That's by far not an A box. I just got done taking mine apart in my '30 coupe. Going to stick with the original column and adapt to a saginaw steering box.
I'd agree HRP that something is out of kilter with that bolt. I don't like the lack of a gusset on the mounting bracket just as others mentioned. To Spillanewillies, I'd suggest starting at the top U joint and have a helper rock the steering wheel back and forth gently while you look for slack and or movement in each connection in the whole steering system. Hold the shaft and check each section of the U joints then check to see how much the steering shaft turns before the pitman arm moves then check each rod end on out to the tie rod ends. You may find that all the movement is in the box or one connection or you may find that you have a bit of movement in several spots that is adding up to what you are feeling with the wheel.
I can't speak for loose, but those bolts aren't grade 8. Lock nuts / lock washers may be missing too. Not trying to pick on you / just trying to help.
early ford store has the rebuild stuff for that box, then you'll know what you've got. defenitley worth a rebuild. beef up the frame mount, and check the joints for play when you got it apart.
What @bgaro said, also some of the internals on that box can be salvaged from any early Ford cross steer box. If you don't have the Vern Tardel book on steering boxes its worth a read before you get started.
Can u adjust that box? I could be wrong but every vehicle I've had I was able to adjust some slack out
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