rebuilding a pre-36 steering box - parts interchangeability
 

It would seem as though right hand drive 33-34 steering sector shafts in a 15:1 ratio are out of stock in the major supplier's online catalogs :(

fortunately at least worm gears are still available.

A quick question - a friend was telling me a '36 17:1 worm gear and sector will interchange with the 33-34.

The worm gear has the same number, just a different pre-fix.

Is my friend correct? Can I use an aftermarket '36 worm and sector in a 32-34 steering box?

Thanks for in advance any information you guys can supply me with - this place is amazing with all Ford-sters amassing a depth of knowledge that exists out there.

Cheers.

Mark

Re: rebuilding a pre-36 steering box - parts interchangeability
 

I am also interested. I believe your friend is correct. The 33-35 boxes (in USA) sector shaft use bushings in the housing and the 36 used bearings. From what I have seen the 33-35 sector shaft does not seem to fit the bearings used on the 36 properly(too small). You may have to have the 36 shaft ground to fit bushings or have the sector housing machined to fit the 36 bearings you will most likely want to have the housing machined and include a modern seal for the shaft.

Re: rebuilding a pre-36 steering box - parts interchangeability
 

The sector shafts should be the same size from 32-36. I had my early box machined to accept the 36 bearings and seals and didn't have to touch the sector shaft, granted my car is LHD.

Re: rebuilding a pre-36 steering box - parts interchangeability
 

In the parts book the sector bushings are same 32-35,37, some replacement 36 sectors came with thick bushings
I don't know if the 32-34 box has same shaft centers as 35-36
The book shows different worm bearings for 32-35 and 36, but same lower race

Re: rebuilding a pre-36 steering box - parts interchangeability
 

You can use a 1935 worm gear, but the 35/36 sector shafts are longer than a 32/34

Re: rebuilding a pre-36 steering box - parts interchangeability
 

Mark, Have you tried 3rd gen,
Last month I got a set of nos rh gears for my 33 from them.
Lawrie

Re: rebuilding a pre-36 steering box - parts interchangeability
 

Lawrie, yes I tried them, they are sold out and the line has been discontinued.

Re: rebuilding a pre-36 steering box - parts interchangeability
 

My friend's son is a machinist, maybe he can modify it to suit

Re: rebuilding a pre-36 steering box - parts interchangeability
 

Oh well, that idea seems to have gone nowhere.

I have been informed that a 36 sector is way too short to use in a 32-34 steering box, as can be seen in the attached picture.

Thanks for everyone's input.

Anyone have a N.O.S. rhd 15:1 33-34 sector shaft lying around, that you're willing to sell?

Re: rebuilding a pre-36 steering box - parts interchangeability
 

Post not needed

Re: rebuilding a pre-36 steering box - parts interchangeability
 

Mark contact Flathead Ted on here he is fitting later internals in a 33-34 box
Looks stock but much better Available RHD or LHD -Karl

Re: rebuilding a pre-36 steering box - parts interchangeability
 

Mark , we fitted one of flathead teds boxes up to a mates 33 VERY nice.
Lawrie

Re: rebuilding a pre-36 steering box - parts interchangeability
 

Of course, why didn't I think of him.

Contact made.

I have chased up and purchased a bare 32 box, a bare 34 box, a complete 32 box, a complete 34 box, and a complete F1 box. Maybe I should have gone straight to him in the first instance instead of buying bits snd pieces from all over the place

Re: rebuilding a pre-36 steering box - parts interchangeability
 

what are you going to do with the 33 box,
I may be intrested if you decide to offload it,
I,m mainly missing the columb tube for my 34 box.
Lawrie

Re: rebuilding a pre-36 steering box - parts interchangeability
 

Mark , as Lawrie mentioned we fitted one of teds boxes in my 33 and it's like power steering.
Keith

Re: rebuilding a pre-36 steering box - parts interchangeability
 

Long story short - I ordered a rhd worm and sector from MACS - for my $400 Aussie dollars, I got a $100 shipping bill, $50 in fees, and .... wait for it a Left hand drive worm and a left hand drive sector.

They claim the worms are the same (left and right hand drives) - not the case - on their ebay site - they sell a rhd worm under a different part number

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1932-35-For...1/174040444226

note the different part numbers on the part they sent me:

https://www.macsautoparts.com/store/...Product_Viewed

Pity they didn't send me this part

https://www.macsautoparts.com/ford_m...er-387697.html

What is worse is that the box the sector shaft came in, was labelled with 2 different labels, one depicting it to be rhd, the other lhd.

Caveat emptor.

I have emailed them with my original order, and pictures of the parts with a comparison to the right hand drive parts after I pulled my original right hand drive steering box down for the rebuild.

I will update you guys with the results.

Gripe over

Re: rebuilding a pre-36 steering box - parts interchangeability
 

Update - I phoned the company, and they informed me that they refunded the price of the parts - So when I got me credit card statement this whole exercise has left me $200 out of pocket, with me paying taxes on the parts and the shipping, bank fees to send and receive the money back, and additional shipping charges to send the parts back on their mislabeling of the parts.

So very disappointing.

Re: rebuilding a pre-36 steering box - parts interchangeability
 

So ,what are you doing to fix your box.
Lawrie

Re: rebuilding a pre-36 steering box - parts interchangeability
 

It IS disappointing, and really not a huge surprise. There are a FEW purveyors of cheap crapola out there in old car land that either sell SOME parts of questionable quality, sell LOTS of parts of questionable quality, show complete stupefaction when any reasonable customer service becomes necessary, or ALL of the above. Several folks have attempted to warn the masses to heed the obvious, and the too-numerous complaints ranging from A to Z with these guys. Heck, just looking at their ads and using a little wisdom should tell ya that some of the parts and their claims seem far too good to be true. There ARE still some really honest, caring and stand-up old Ford parts vendors out there. They are discussed with regularity here on the forum if you pay attention with an open mind. I'm very sorry to hear that this bunch really stuck it to you, both time-wise and financially. And, they'll be happy to do it to ya again if you give them another chance. DD

Re: rebuilding a pre-36 steering box - parts interchangeability
 

I would call my credit card company and demand a full refund. You should not have to bare the burden of them shipping the wrong parts - that is on them. I would not take a loss like this and give them a pass.