Rebuilt Steering Box Installed

[jagnweiner]

Today was a good day. I finally got my rebuilt steering box installed.

When I bought my Merc last fall, I knew the steering box needed rebuilding, as the steering had a LOT of play and there was no adjustment left. Because I had neither the skills nor the tools to do the rebuild, I wanted to have some else do the rebuild. More on that later.

As winter came, I kept putting off the inevitable. I then had what I thought was an incredible stroke of luck. Another Barner was advertising a completely rebuilt box for a 41-48. He had bought it because he thought it would fit his 40. He sent it off to Lares for rebuilding, but when he went to install it, the shaft was the wrong length for a 40. I snatched it up, thinking it fit my 47 Merc. (My fault, not the seller). When I went to install it, I discovered Mercs are a couple inches longer than the same year fords.

I then did what I should have done in the first place, sent my original box off to be rebuilt. I had a tough time getting a good recommendation for a rebuilder here on the Barn. I ended up going with Mike Bartlett, who is mikesspeedshopnc here on the Barn.

At this point I must note that Mike recently got a lot of flak from a couple people here regarding shock rebuilds. I didn't hear that until after I had sent the box off, so I was a more than a bit worried. Bottom line, I am completely satisfied with Mike and his service. His price was very reasonable and as quoted, his turnaround was quite good (4 wks) and the rebuilt box works great. I don't say this to try to start an argument with those who have disagreements because I don't have personal knowledge of their situation; I just felt it is important to put positive experiences out there as well as negative.

Installation itself went very smoothly. The biggest challenge is getting the front end high enough for the angle to allow the shaft to slide in. Once all was done, I was thrilled to have a car that doesn't have 20 degrees of play in the wheel. Thanks for listening to my long ramble.

PS, if anyone needs a 41-48 FORD box I've got a beauty that's never been used on the Swap section.

[Phil Gillespie]

Thats a very pleasing result. Agree its important to supply positive feedback as experienced as all too often its the negative sides that are stressed.
Good workmanship and fair pricing are to be applauded.
Dont forget the oil or grease!! in the box before taking to the highway.
Phil NZ

[jagnweiner]

Thanks Phil. Yes, forgot to mention that I did fill with jd corn head grease before installing.

[A bones]

Thanks, glad you had a happy end to your story.
Good luck finding a Merc owner. He'll be happy.
PS I like red.

[jagnweiner]

Originally Posted by A bones

Thanks, glad you had a happy end to your story.
Good luck finding a Merc owner. He'll be happy.
PS I like red.

Thanks Tom. Actually I need to find a FORD owner who needs a steering box. I bought a ford box mistakenly thinking it would fit my Merc.

[Darrell S]

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Do you still have the Ford box that didn't work? If you do and are interested in selling you could PM me.

[jagnweiner]

Originally Posted by Darrell S

Do you still have the Ford box that didn't work? If you do and are interested in selling you could PM me.

Still have it and very interested in selling. PM sent.