The Ford Barn

oldford · 02-06-2011, 08:24 PM

For those of you that have driven a 1934 and 1935 car with the original steering unit, does the 35 car steer easier. Take less effort to turn the steering wheel. Could your wife steer the 35 easier then the 34.

jerry grayson · 02-06-2011, 08:31 PM

The 35 steers better, a little.

richard crow · 02-06-2011, 09:39 PM

34 has side steer 35 has cross steer.both can be modifed that a child could steer them.34 & 35 orignal steering gears require more eford than37-39

Rustyspokes · 02-06-2011, 10:35 PM

What does one have to do or modify ; to make a 34 steer easier, I have a 34 sedan, thanks guys ..

lee34 · 02-07-2011, 12:29 AM

I have owned the same 34 sedan since 1960.I have tried several different steering box. I tried the original,early Mustang,Flaming River Mustang (with lower ratio),Uni Steer rack and pinion.Flaming River Vega copy. The Uni Steer was the best for parking (least effort) but the turning radius was less. I am using Flaming River Vega copy at the present time .I have found that tire pressure an to much caster makes a difference. Be cheaper to go to the gym???? lee34

Terry,OH · 02-07-2011, 07:40 AM

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there are several mods that can be done to a 34 to make the steering a bit easier. The sector shaft bushings can be replaced with 36 style needle bearings, the upper column rubber bushing can be replaced with a needle bearing. Even the worm and sector can be replaced with one with a higher ratio. The easiest to do would be the upper column bearing, since the sector shaft housing has to be machined to accept the bearings in this area. Make sure you have the correct tire pressure, if running larger tires than original expect to increase the steering effort at very low speeds.

Coupe35 · 02-07-2011, 11:29 AM

I talked to the guy that makes the upper needle bearings and asked if he has tried installing needle bearings on the sector shaft. He said it did not help that much. Looks to me like it would since ford decided to do it for the 36. Maybe did not want to fool with.

TomT/Williamsburg · 02-07-2011, 12:03 PM

Many guys use the 39 box for easier steering for the 35s. As for the 34s, a rebuilt f100 box might be a good choice (the 34 is like a 32 and the shaft comes through the frame sidewall I believe). I have one on my 32.

Deuce Man · 02-07-2011, 12:52 PM

1937 hudson terraplane box is a popular swap for 32 34 fords. though ive never done one ive seen a couple in 34 fords. at a glance it looked stock I was told the hudson box had much better bearing design thus much less steering effort. my 32 has stock 32 steering driving it saves me a lot of money over going to golds gym every couple of days.

02-06-2011, 08:24 PM	#1
oldford Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 271	Which car steers easier, 34 or 35 For those of you that have driven a 1934 and 1935 car with the original steering unit, does the 35 car steer easier. Take less effort to turn the steering wheel. Could your wife steer the 35 easier then the 34.

02-06-2011, 08:31 PM	#2
jerry grayson Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Atlanta area Posts: 833	Re: Which car steers easier, 34 or 35 The 35 steers better, a little.

02-06-2011, 09:39 PM	#3
richard crow Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 1,908	Re: Which car steers easier, 34 or 35 34 has side steer 35 has cross steer.both can be modifed that a child could steer them.34 & 35 orignal steering gears require more eford than37-39

02-06-2011, 10:35 PM	#4
Rustyspokes Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: West Coast Canada B.C. Interior Posts: 333	Re: Which car steers easier, 34 or 35 What does one have to do or modify ; to make a 34 steer easier, I have a 34 sedan, thanks guys ..

02-07-2011, 12:29 AM	#5
lee34 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Kentucky Posts: 127	Re: Which car steers easier, 34 or 35 I have owned the same 34 sedan since 1960.I have tried several different steering box. I tried the original,early Mustang,Flaming River Mustang (with lower ratio),Uni Steer rack and pinion.Flaming River Vega copy. The Uni Steer was the best for parking (least effort) but the turning radius was less. I am using Flaming River Vega copy at the present time .I have found that tire pressure an to much caster makes a difference. Be cheaper to go to the gym???? lee34

02-07-2011, 11:29 AM	#7
Coupe35 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 226	Re: Which car steers easier, 34 or 35 I talked to the guy that makes the upper needle bearings and asked if he has tried installing needle bearings on the sector shaft. He said it did not help that much. Looks to me like it would since ford decided to do it for the 36. Maybe did not want to fool with.

02-07-2011, 12:03 PM	#8
TomT/Williamsburg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Williamsburg, Virginia Posts: 2,752	Re: Which car steers easier, 34 or 35 Many guys use the 39 box for easier steering for the 35s. As for the 34s, a rebuilt f100 box might be a good choice (the 34 is like a 32 and the shaft comes through the frame sidewall I believe). I have one on my 32.

02-07-2011, 12:52 PM	#9
Deuce Man Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Palm City FL> Posts: 556	Re: Which car steers easier, 34 or 35 1937 hudson terraplane box is a popular swap for 32 34 fords. though ive never done one ive seen a couple in 34 fords. at a glance it looked stock I was told the hudson box had much better bearing design thus much less steering effort. my 32 has stock 32 steering driving it saves me a lot of money over going to golds gym every couple of days.