1952-59 Ford steering problem in my 55

I have standard steering with lots of play in the steering . I have adjusted the play in the wheel but no matter where it is , either loose or tighter , When the wheel goes all the way to the right or left it gets stuck and won't come back to center unless I pull it loose pulling hard then the wheel start moving fine .
I tried to explain so I hope someone can really help . the steering really ****s and that steering box I hate !
Is there any other year steering box that I can use to get rid of this one ? I have a complete steering box and shaft from a 57 Fairlane .
Someone Please help ! I will be pulling the engine and trans out next month or June and that will be the best time to work on it .
Thanks,
Jim

 

Mine does the same thing but mine is because the bushing is gone in the column and I have the steering wheel is on too tight. Don't know if that your issue. I going to pull the wheel and install the new parts soon.

 

Jim,I sent you a pm about the bushing,the old one may fall apart, if the metal sleeve the plastic bushing sits in falls down the shaft,no big deal as long as you get out the plastic ****.Now if you feel more adventurous check this link:www.fordfalcon2000.com/restoration/tiltcolumn.htm The older Falcons had steering boxes similar to ours with the deadly"spear" this article gives you alternatives for steering boxes and columns without killing your wallet,also there is a good article on budget power brakes,lots of pictures are here too!

 

Thanks to both of the replies ! Sounds like you have had the same problem too at one time .
46Mopar , your sounds just like mine is doing !
JeffB2 , I got the pic from Dennis Carpenter you sent , thanks !

I was looking into changing the steering box all together for a more modern style . I have seen a few where they are using Jeep Grands front steer boxes . I was wondering if anyone else has tried any of the different box set ups with good luck without rebuilding your front end . I saw on Ebay where someone was selling a Vega box for a 55 Ford . That is a new one for me but have used the Vega boxes before for street rods .
I will more than likely take the column apart and replace the parts Jeff was talking about and hope that will help the problem out . Don't really like fighting with a 2 ton car !
I am still interested in a better steering box if there is a one that will work better . Arms aren't as strong as they use to be ! Maybe I should use a power steering box swap . I am installing a 302 next month so a Ford power steering pump will mount with no problem . If there is a power steering box that works good let me know !
Thanks again for the help and Jeff for the great group where I can always find the answer !

Jim