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Old 12-29-2017, 09:40 AM   #1
Admiral
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Default 1937 Steering Box

Happy new year, everyone!

This winter I'm considering upgrading the steering in my '36 by retrofitting a '37 box. I understand it's a reasonably straightforward swap, but had a couple questions about it. And the biggest one is, will a '37 steering box fit with Red's headers? I've got a set of them on my car and want to make sure everything will clear before proceeding (I'd rather not go back to the stock exhaust manifolds). If this is not an issue, does anyone have detailed installation instructions to share?

Thanks!
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Old 12-29-2017, 09:47 AM   #2
JSeery
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Default Re: 1937 Steering Box

You may get some specific comments on the steering/exhaust header clearance, but it is also going to depend on the condition and height of your motor and transmission mounts.
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Old 12-29-2017, 10:43 AM   #3
JM 35 Sedan
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Default Re: 1937 Steering Box

I've installed a 37 steering box in a 35 sedan that has Fenton exhaust manifolds, and had to do some grinding for clearance. Later on, I purchased a complete Red's Header dual exhaust system for a 35 that included his headers. I haven't installed this system yet, but it appears there will be plenty of clearance between headers and 37 type steering box.
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Old 12-29-2017, 11:36 AM   #4
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Default Re: 1937 Steering Box

I installed Red's headers on my 37 pickup, that has a 1940 flathead. I had to raise the front of the engine about 1/2" to clear. No big deal, I made longer shouldered bolts.
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Old 12-29-2017, 02:25 PM   #5
Admiral
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Default Re: 1937 Steering Box

OK, encouraging news. Sounds like the '37 box WILL fit with Red's headers installed. My motor mounts are only a few years old so I imagine they haven't sagged too much. I think I'll give this a shot.
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Old 12-29-2017, 04:33 PM   #6
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Default Re: 1937 Steering Box

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I had a 36 with a '37 box a 59 AB motor and Reds headers.Had to heat and indent at the steering box to give it some clearance.The header touched the steering box .
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Old 12-30-2017, 11:26 AM   #7
Steve in Denver
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Default Re: 1937 Steering Box

Another newbe here. I just purchased a '36 5WCp with a '53 flathead in it. The steering has about 5 inches of play in it so I definitely need some help. It does have dual exhaust but I have no idea what kind of exhaust manifolds are on it, but they do barily clear the steering box.

I have seen someone advertising a '36 upgrade to the steering box but it requires some machine work. If I can find a complete '37 box, what has to be modified to get it in. And what is the steering ratio of the '36 vs 37 or is there a better suggestion. The less modifications, the better. I would like to be able to get the old one out and the new one back in in the same day.
Steve in Denver
PS, how do I add a picture of the car to my profile?
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Old 12-30-2017, 11:57 AM   #8
flatheadmurre
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Default Re: 1937 Steering Box

The upgrade is in the sector shaft design.
Early boxes has a gearstyle and newer has a roller instead.
The 37 box should be a bolt in if im not remebering all wrong...
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Old 12-30-2017, 12:03 PM   #9
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Default Re: 1937 Steering Box

Do I remember correctly that the '37 steering gear mount has to be used? Remove the '36 mount from the frame and replace with the '37 style.
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Old 12-30-2017, 12:52 PM   #10
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Default Re: 1937 Steering Box

I have just done this conversion ,You can use the 35 mount and the 37 box picks up the two lower holes ,the top lug on the 37 box needs drilling about 3/8 lower then you drill or slot the 35 top mount hole to match .If you use a 37 /38 chassis mount it will sit the box lower and affect floor board fitment Ted
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