Reversing a Vega steering box

Building a 1934 Ford pickup hot rod for a customer I was faced with what to use for a steering box. A reversed Corvair box is available but is a little light duty for this application. I have plenty of Vega boxes that we use on our 32 Ford ch***is so I decided to give reversing one a shot. Turned out to be quit simple plus I was able to use a readily available mounting bracket, and an aftermarket Vega pitman arm all resulting in proper geometry for anti bump steer installation. This is what I did.
1) Study the pictures, stock boxes have an aluminum bearing housing with a large drive hex. Aftermarket boxes have a cast iron bearing housing with a small drive hex.
2) The only problem that is encountered is not having enough room for a u-joint, this is solved by machining away the hex drive. You then need a means of adjusting the bearing housing, I drilled (2) 1/4" holes 1/4" deep so I could use a spanner wrench to adjust.
Note: Pitman cross shaft does not need to be removed.
3) I then machined a pocket for an oil seal ( stock Vega ) 15/16 od x 5/8 id x 3/16 thick.
4) Use a 15/16 cup plug to seal the original shaft hole.
5) Clean everything , re-***emble, add grease, and adjust as outlined in your service manual.
6) Address questions to my foreman and TIG welder "TJ"

 

Thanks......... great tech.........never heard that a vega box could be reversed.

 

real koooooooooool steering box. what a whizzzz ard

 

I didn't believe It could be done. But seeing your pics made me a believer. Nice explanation.

 

Thanks!! great to know.

 

What's up with that fishscale paint job?

 

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