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Tom in TN 09-20-2022 01:15 PM

Steering box search
 

Hey y’all,
This might be the wrong place to ask this, but I gotta start somewhere.

I’ve got my ’34 coupe and I would really love to swap to a later model steering box, IF there is one that will clear the flathead and pretty much bolt right in.

Does such a one exist? I don’t know, that’s why I’m asking.

I have some pretty ugly death-wobble and swapping the worm/sector box for perhaps a roller ball type box might help knock down some of the wobble.

qmdv 09-20-2022 03:15 PM

Re: Steering box search
 

I do not know of any that just bolt in. Lots of folks use a F-1 pickup box or a F-100 lets say out of a 1955 pickup. Both take some modifications for them to work.

Are new parts available to rebuild your original to like new?

cas3 09-20-2022 03:23 PM

Re: Steering box search
 

Neil in CA, and flathead ted make direct bolt ins with a rolling sector. Not sure about the availability of either at the moment

russcc 09-20-2022 03:29 PM

Re: Steering box search
 

The F1 box is the better choice, and it is like night & day between the F1 and the original '34 box. Get hold of Vern Tardel's "Let Met Help you book titled "Ford Steering" it will put you the right path.

1931 flamingo 09-21-2022 07:51 AM

Re: Steering box search
 

Lots of reasons for the "death wobble" besides the steering box.
Paul in CT

35fordtn 09-21-2022 09:44 AM

Re: Steering box search
 

Tom,
At our store we have a steering box done by Neil Jennings for a 1934. I see you are in Murfreesboro, so you are only 25 miles from us

Tom in TN 09-21-2022 10:46 AM

Re: Steering box search
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1931 flamingo (Post 2168114)
Lots of reasons for the "death wobble" besides the steering box.
Paul in CT

Quite right...and I'm checking them one at a time.

Tom in TN 09-21-2022 10:49 AM

Re: Steering box search
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by qmdv (Post 2167893)
I do not know of any that just bolt in. Lots of folks use a F-1 pickup box or a F-100 lets say out of a 1955 pickup. Both take some modifications for them to work.

Are new parts available to rebuild your original to like new?

My box has been rebuilt by a fellow in GA who was the subject of a couple of mag articles, so he knew what he was doing. I have felt a roller and it just feels so much more tight, yet easier to turn.

Tom in TN 09-21-2022 10:51 AM

Re: Steering box search
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by 35fordtn (Post 2168137)
Tom,
At our store we have a steering box done by Neil Jennings for a 1934. I see you are in Murfreesboro, so you are only 25 miles from us

Is this the same "Neil in CA" that cas3 references above?
Please PM me your store name and location, and since I still work full time, are you open on Saturdays?

Terry,OH 09-21-2022 11:11 AM

Re: Steering box search
 

Neil Jennings is in CA. Neils Hot Rod Shop. Very nice worm and roller steering box. Not inexpensive.

35fordtn 09-21-2022 12:21 PM

Re: Steering box search
 

Tom our site is thirdgenauto.com. We are not open saturdays. However I have a shop where I keep my car collection not far from our business so could always meet you here. Unfortunately another fordbarner saw this thread and the Neil Jennings box is now sold. They are a very nice unit.

Charlie Stephens 09-21-2022 12:39 PM

Re: Steering box search
 

Just a bit of trivia that might be useful. Some of the boxes from the fifties trucks had the worm above the sector and others below. I don't remember the years. Only type will make an easier installation.

Charlie Stephens

Tim Ayers 09-21-2022 12:44 PM

Re: Steering box search
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charlie Stephens (Post 2168179)
Just a bit of trivia that might be useful. Some of the boxes from the fifties trucks had the worm above the sector and others below. I don't remember the years. Only type will make an easier installation.

Charlie Stephens

Was going to say this. I believe F-100 is above and F-1 is below. An F-1 box changes the steering column angle into the car and steering wheel placement quite significantly.

Tom in TN 09-21-2022 02:22 PM

Re: Steering box search
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by 35fordtn (Post 2168175)
Unfortunately another fordbarner saw this thread and the Neil Jennings box is now sold.

Well, that was dang rude of 'em.
They should give me a 40% finder's fee.

Tom in TN 09-21-2022 02:24 PM

Re: Steering box search
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by 35fordtn (Post 2168175)
Tom our site is thirdgenauto.com. We are not open saturdays. However I have a shop where I keep my car collection not far from our business so could always meet you here. Unfortunately another fordbarner saw this thread and the Neil Jennings box is now sold. They are a very nice unit.

No need to try to meet you now, you don't have anything to sell me... :)

leon bee 09-21-2022 02:49 PM

Re: Steering box search
 

Sniped.

Krylon32 09-21-2022 02:57 PM

Re: Steering box search
 

I put a converted Neal Jennings 37 Hudson box in my 32 pickup and it drove great. Really easy steering. It was a bolt in.

Tim Ayers 09-21-2022 03:05 PM

Re: Steering box search
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Krylon32 (Post 2168212)
I put a converted Neal Jennings 37 Hudson box in my 32 pickup and it drove great. Really easy steering. It was a bolt in.

Gary,

Curious if all the horn and light rod parts work on the Hudson box as they do on the '32 unit? Really interested in the Hudson box.

Thanks,

Tim

jimTN 09-21-2022 03:58 PM

Re: Steering box search
 

I was going to say there is a early Hudson gear that will bolt in. Not sure about the length of the steering wheel shaft.

Seth Swoboda 09-21-2022 04:06 PM

Re: Steering box search
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom in TN (Post 2168201)
No need to try to meet you now, you don't have anything to sell me... :)

I'd bet he could get you another and it's worth your time meeting Michael. I live 5.5 hours away and drive to his place once a year for a visit. He's got lots to sell you.


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