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russcc 02-12-2017 07:47 AM

Pulling a '40 coupe steering box
 

Did a search on removing the steering box & shaft on a '40 coupe. The posts were pretty much complete except for an estimate how much clearance you need to get it out through the bottom. I already removed the front end, so that is wide open. Need how high the car needs to be before I start pulling it. Thank you Fordbarners.

glennpm 02-12-2017 10:39 AM

Re: Pulling a '40 coupe steering box
 

Hi Russ,

I just did a quick measurement and I think you need to plan to get the bottom of the frame roughly 32" to 34" off the floor. As you are removing it, you will be able to tilt toward the front and get by with a little less. You could also take it out from the top, but lots more work with floor, ignition lock and pedal clearance. I did it this way once with my convertible.

russcc 02-12-2017 11:29 AM

Re: Pulling a '40 coupe steering box
 

Thank you Glenn. When you take it out from the bottom, do you have to take off the ignition lock collar on the steering shaft ?

blucar 02-12-2017 11:50 AM

Re: Pulling a '40 coupe steering box
 

The steering column shaft is not removable from the gear box, it is a one piece unit with the worm gear attached to the bottom. Removal of the steering shaft requires the complete tear down of the steering gear assembly.
Removable steering shafts did not come into general use until the mid 1960's.

russcc 02-12-2017 12:51 PM

Re: Pulling a '40 coupe steering box
 

My question is, do you have to take the steering shaft lock collar off the shaft before sliding the steering box & shaft out the bottom of the column ? If you do, how do you do it. ? I know the worm gear is pressed on the shaft as I rebuilt the F1 box in the '28 roadster.

glennpm 02-12-2017 02:05 PM

Re: Pulling a '40 coupe steering box
 

Hi Russ,

No you don't take it off. It will slide down on the inside of the tube and there are no other obstructions.

- remove steering wheel
- disconnect horn button, spring and pull wire (at least that's my recollection)
- spread clamp on bottom of steering tube with a plastic or wood wedge and slide it up the tube a few inches or so. Keep the clamp wedged open for re-installation.
- remove the box with the shaft and locking collar attached.

Ken/Alabama 02-12-2017 02:06 PM

Re: Pulling a '40 coupe steering box
 

No, remove the steering tube but the lock collar can remain on the shaft.

glennpm 02-12-2017 02:12 PM

Re: Pulling a '40 coupe steering box
 

The tube, ignition lock and shifter can stay mounted. Slide the shaft out the bottom of the tube. This may help:

http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/F...40to47cars.jpg

russcc 02-13-2017 09:13 AM

Re: Pulling a '40 coupe steering box
 

3 Attachment(s)
Thank you all for your help and advice. Here is run down of how I did it for future reference. Photos also.
’40 Steering box removal;

The process used to remove the steering box from a ’40 Ford coupe.
1. Remove the steering wheel horn button and spring
2. Disconnect the horn wire at the base of the steering box remove the button & wire.
3. Remove the 3 wires on the ignition switch.
4. Remove the 2, 5/6-24SAE hex head cap screws, holding the column drop to the dash. A ½” flex gear wrench seems to work well in the limited space inside the dash.
5. Support the steering column with rope or wire.
6. Unbolt the lower steering column mast jacket clamp, tap the clamp up the jacket and remove the bolt.
7. Loosen the upper steering box bolt and leave in place for support.
8. Jack up, about 30”, and support the car on jack stands on the frame located near the door hinges.
9. I removed the front end for other work. You may have to jack the car up higher and get the axle up so the steering box & and shaft will clear it with the front end in.
10. Remove the pitman arm, 1& 7/16” socket or wrench & puller.
11. Remove the 2 bottom steering box to frame bolts.
12. From inside the car, work the steering column mast jacket up and off the steering box.
13. Remove the top frame to steering box bolt, and work the box and shaft down and out of the mast jacket.
.

russcc 02-13-2017 09:16 AM

Re: Pulling a '40 coupe steering box
 

Note; #10 pitman arm removal s/be 1&7/16" socket/wrench.

jagnweiner 02-13-2017 09:24 AM

Re: Pulling a '40 coupe steering box
 

Thanks for the write-up. Question for anyone: would this procedure generally be the same for a '47 Mercury? I've been putting off taking my steering box out for rebuild, but need to get on it.

glennpm 02-13-2017 10:29 AM

Re: Pulling a '40 coupe steering box
 

Great Russ and good you filled in all the details for the next guy!

Glenn


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