Steering box adjustment 1950 Ford Coupe
 

I need help with my steering box on my 1950 Ford Coupe. The steering box has been rebuilt by Redhead Gears out of Washington State. However it requires adjustment and my locate mechanic was unable to move the adjustment screw. Any help would certainly be appreciated.


Thank you,


Denton Lucas

Re: Steering box adjustment 1950 Ford Coupe
 

What did Redhead say?

Re: Steering box adjustment 1950 Ford Coupe
 

The "adjustment screw" on the top of the unit is NOT for adjusting the steering box. First loosen the nut on the slotted stud on top of the steering box. Unscrew the stud about half a turn. Remember or mark the position of the stud because when finished you need to put the stud back in the original position. Now on the bottom of the box are 4 screws or bolts that hold on the bottom plate. Slightly loosen all 4 but dont remove. Now tap the bottom one way or the other. That bottom plate bolt holes are slotted and allows the plate to be adjusted back and forth. I dont remember which way loosens or tightens up the steering wheel slop. This is a trial and error method of adjusting so a second person helps otherwise it could take several trips under the car. It took me about 10 trips under the car. It only takes minute movement to adjust the wheel. Once satisfied with adjustment, on top of the box, tighten stud back down to original position and tighten the nut. Remember to check oil level in the box. PM me if you have questions. Good luck!!

Re: Steering box adjustment 1950 Ford Coupe
 

They can not understand why the adjustment screw will not turn. Thanks for your interest.

Re: Steering box adjustment 1950 Ford Coupe
 

Thanks for your instructions greatly appreciated.

Denton

Re: Steering box adjustment 1950 Ford Coupe
 

46.............I am assuming (bad deal to assume anything) that box is installed and you are attempting to adjust the slop out of the steering. Is this correct??

Re: Steering box adjustment 1950 Ford Coupe
 

Yes the rebuilt steering box is in ,but play on the steeringbox calls for adjustment.
I will look at the problem next week.
Thanks again for your input.

Denton

Re: Steering box adjustment 1950 Ford Coupe
 

For about twenty-some bucks, you can buy a reproduction factory service manual; it lays out the adjustment procedure in detail - good insurance compared to the rebuild cost. You may also need a set of paper shims for the adjustment procedure. They are available at many of the usual sources ( I would suggest you try Mac Van Pelt)....Bob L

Re: Steering box adjustment 1950 Ford Coupe
 

On my 48 coupe,I loosened the nut,on top,on the steering box,then turned screw in,1/4 turn,then checked for play,I had to adjust the screw 2 times,worked like a charm.

Re: Steering box adjustment 1950 Ford Coupe
 

That may be fine for '48, but the subject steering box is for a '50 box.
It's adjusted differently.

Re: Steering box adjustment 1950 Ford Coupe
 

X2 on the factory service manual. I got one for my ‘50 and adjusting the steering box is covered very well.....Mark

Re: Steering box adjustment 1950 Ford Coupe
 

We’ve already placed the 49-51 steering gearbox instructions on our website. Here’s the link to Page 1......be sure to click through all 5 pages for the full download.

http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/f...ordcar-pg1.htm

Re: Steering box adjustment 1950 Ford Coupe
 

Denton - I spent a large fortune having a ?reputable? company rebuild my steering box and it came back with 4-5" dead zone slop in the steering. Fortunately, I was given the name of a real pro who rebuilt it properly. You are 3000 miles from my guy unfortunately, I can only pray you find a local equivalent person as no simple adjustment is likely to provide you with steering results you deserve for a happy relationship with your car. GL-p

Re: Steering box adjustment 1950 Ford Coupe
 

A properly rebuilt steering box should not need to be adjusted. The screw on top adjusts end play of the sector shaft. The plate rotation on the bottom get determines how tight the sector engages the worm. Due to the way the sector moves on the worm there is always play when the wheel is not centered. Center the wheel by turning lock to lock and centering the wheel based on half the number of turns. If your tires are not pointing straight ahead you have an alignment problem.

Re: Steering box adjustment 1950 Ford Coupe
 

X 2 on Franks post above!!