Steering box
 

What is the correct way install the shims and adjust the steering in a 1935 Ford ?

Re: Steering box
 

From a paper on steering by Vern Terdel (this was prior to his booklet being published).

Bearing end play is adjusted by shimming the lower race which protrudes slightly from the case. The end cap is installed to determine the size and number of gaskets needed.

Adjustment is a cut-and-try process. Begin with three thick green gaskets between the end cover and the box. There should be a very slight drag on the steering shaft when it's turned. If there is no drag, remove one gasket and check again. If there is too much drag, add another gasket, a thinner brown one. If you don't hit the right combination at first, be patient; you'll soon get it and then be ready to assemble the steering box.

Adjust the lash until the steering turns smoothly, with no play, throughout the full movement from lock to lock and back. Then, install the star lock on the adjuster screw and screw on the locknut to hold the star lock in place.

There is also good information on VanPelt's site: http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/f...tmt1937-48.htm

This is also good information: http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/f...stmt-notes.htm

Re: Steering box
 

Thanks a million - just what I was looking for.

Re: Steering box
 

He is working on a 35. Way different than a 37 up box. The shaft end play is still adjusted with the shims but are on the top end. The other adjustments are a nightmare. There are four studs on the main housing. One has an excentic to adjust mesh. Do not touch the the shaft with the screwdriver slot. It adjusts the centering which also affects the lash. The excentic bushing is very sensitive and the slightest change gets results. Go slow.
A 32 shop bulliten has the procedure.

Re: Steering box
 

Thanks Andy! I was asleep at the wheel on this!!!

Here's a suggestion you may not like, I would consider upgrading to a later year box.

Re: Steering box
 

Yes, the '32 service info works. Big thing is to figure out exactly where the center of the "lock to lock" is. Turn the wheel all the way to left full lock. Put a piece of masking tape at the top of the wheel and mark it "L." Turn all the wheel all the way to right full lock, counting turns on the way. Put another piece of tape at the top of the wheel and mark it "R." Back off exactly 1/2 of the number of turns that it took to go lock to lock and put a third piece of tape at the top of the wheel and mark it "C." This is the point where you will want to make your adjustments. The "Gemmer?" steering system is set up to be tightest at the center, when you're driving straight and then loosen up a bit as you turn. If your drag link is adjustable, you want to set it so the wheels are straight ahead when the wheel is at the center position.

Re: Steering box
 

The large hole in the shims is usually small & interferes with the bearing movement and correct adjustment, correct if necessary. Measure the un-assembled gap of the spring washer with a feeler gauge. During final adjustment you want the spring washer to compress about 1/2 way. Assemble and remove shims until all the end play is just removed. You do have to tighten the assembly bolts, use a torque wrench for repeatability. When all the end play is just removed then remove additional shims that total 1/2 of the spring washer gap. Reassemble and leave leave one of the 0.010" shim on the top. Re-assemble torque and check for smooth operation.

Re: Steering box
 

Good stuff . . . I think I'll adjust my 32 box and see how it goes. It is already pretty dang good (very low mileage on the car), but why not try to tighten it up just a bit more. THANKS gang!

Re: Steering box
 

Thanks again. Tried removing shims, or gaskets, until just a slight drag on the wheel and it handles fine. I'm going to try the lock to lock thing now and see what happens.

Re: Steering box
 

Resist the temptation to tighten the screw adjustment on the top of the box. A movement of only 1/32" can affect the ability of the sector to return to the center. If you have a steering problem, before you blame the box, be sure the box is securely tight to the frame, the pitman arm is secure, and the tie rod joints and king pins are not loose. Check the oil in the box. The nearby exhaust manifold can cook the oil into a rock-like substance. That is the only place I use 600W oil to resist heat and leakage.