41 Merc steering box?

[CallmeBob]

Hey guys newbie here. I recently got my grandfathers 41 Merc business coupe which has been parked in my parents barn since 83 when my grandfather passed. It was a running driving car when parked. I have started restoring it and noticed the steering box all at once started leaking. I am wondering which way to fix it, should I do a gasket and seal kit, a total rebuild or a Vega box. I am also looking to put headers and duel exhaust. If I go with a Vega which is a good one that's not to expensive. I'm retired and on a fixed income so I have a tight budget.

[mcgarrett]

I don't blame you for wanting to keeping repair costs to a minimum, so why not invest in a gasket kit and see if it will fix the problem. Don't give up on the original steering box just yet. The price is certainly right - check out this link...

https://thirdgenauto.com/product/193...ox-gasket-set/

Good luck!

[mcgarrett]

Here's the link in case you need the sector seal too...

https://thirdgenauto.com/product/new...39-48-mercury/

[tubman]

Isn't somebody gonna suggest the John Deere "Cornhead" grease?

[fordor41]

Lares corp. can rebuild it for you.

[V8COOPMAN]

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Originally Posted by CallmeBob

Hey guys newbie here. I recently got my grandfathers 41 Merc business coupe which has been parked in my parents barn since 83 when my grandfather passed. It was a running driving car when parked. I have started restoring it and noticed the steering box all at once started leaking. I am wondering which way to fix it, should I do a gasket and seal kit, a total rebuild or a Vega box. I am also looking to put headers and duel exhaust. If I go with a Vega which is a good one that's not to expensive. I'm retired and on a fixed income so I have a tight budget.

Hey Bob .... Read both of the links BELOW. Much good info, including some info from me. NOTE THAT if your leak is minor, you might try filling your steering box with JOHN DEERE CORNHEAD GREASE ...it WORKS!

DO NOT use a Vega steering box, no matter what the "X-PERTS" say about it. A '41 Merc is too heavy a car for the Vega box. Instead, use a Saginaw 525 which came out of cars like Chevelles and Cutlasses.... GREAT Box!

Coop


https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...lder+horn+tube


https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...+box+tube+leak

[deuce lover]

2 areas where leaks occur.
The lip seal at the end where the sector shaft exits the steering box.
On the bottom of the box there are 4 cap screws that secure a plate. On that plate is a brass tube that slips into the column (approx 5") that us swedged to the plate.That connection is prone to leaking.

[cjshaker]

Originally Posted by deuce lover

2 areas where leaks occur.
The lip seal at the end where the sector shaft exits the steering box.
On the bottom of the box there are 4 cap screws that secure a plate. On that plate is a brass tube that slips into the column (approx 5") that us swedged to the plate.That connection is prone to leaking.

Would soldering be a good fix for that? Silver solder is pretty durable.

[deuce lover]

Yes or buy a new one.Southside Obsolete I presume has a NOS.

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by cjshaker

Would soldering be a good fix for that? Silver solder is pretty durable.

Before & After the solder treatment.

Coop

[deuce lover]

V8Coopman comes thru again !!!

[CallmeBob]

Thanks guys. Can anyone tell me a good low cost set of headers that will work with the stock steering box?

[RKS.PA]

Originally Posted by CallmeBob

Thanks guys. Can anyone tell me a good low cost set of headers that will work with the stock steering box?

I really like the steel headers that Red's sells, along with the connecting pipes and mufflers etc. If you have a good muffler shop near you, that may be the way to go for the tail pipe or pipes. Shiping on those can be an issue for this part of your project.

p.s. don't do what I did if you don't go with their powder coating. Paint them with high temp paint...Eastwood is good...before you install them. Otherwise, you won't be happy with the rust!!

[corvette8n]

My ‘41 has a set of Reds headers installed by the previous owner, I know the pipes from the header to the muffler is also Reds as I replaced the drivers side after I butchered it trying to get it off.



Follow my ordeal here.
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=285135

[TJ]

Avoid using a Vega steering box as others have said. In regards to headers I have used the Speedway headers that are used for a GM steering box in and early Ford. They will clear your stock steering box.

[19Fordy]

V8 is 100% correct. Vega box is not strong enough over time.

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

V8 is 100% correct. Vega box is not strong enough over time.

Just for yuks, this is a SAGINAW 525 box in a '40 Ford. Just a smidge larger than a Vega, but oh so much more capable. They can also be had in several different ratios. Your Ford Pitman arm will also bolt right on.

Coop

[CallmeBob]

Thanks for the help. I ordered the gaskets and seal from thirdgen auto. I'm a long way from needing the headers because I have the car completely apart and just starting to put it back together.

[fordor41]

older Jeeps also used 525 boxes.

[Karl Wolf]

My F1 box was leaking from one of the lower bolts, through the threads.
Fixed with a dab of glue!

Karl