35 steering in a 39 frame

[Vanspeed]

I wanted to put my steering box in my truck just for the purpose of making it easier to move around and ran into a snag. To me, the box looks like it is in the wrong spot and only two bolt holes line up. The third hole looks correct, the one that is off. Did the 35 and 39 ford boxes have a different bolt pattern?

[35fordtn]

1935-36 Has a different mounting plate than what 37- up had

[Vanspeed]

Dang!! Did the plate use the same mounting holes on the frame? If so I can swap my 35 mounting plate to this frame but want to be sure it is in the correct spot.

[flatheadfan]

Yes, the '35-'36 steering gear has a different bolt pattern. There is no practical way to install an early gear body in a '37-'40 frame. The more important question is why you would want to do that? The early gear box is an inferior design when compared to the later box. Less leakage, easier to adjust and much smoother to use.

Tom

[Walt Dupont--Me.]

The 37 up box is a lot better than that 35, it steers a lot better. Why do you want to put a 35 box in a 39?

[CSArno]

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have you considered changing the steering box to one with a rolling sector gear? (1939) we did in my fathers 35 pu last summer.
then you wont have to change that plate which can be a pain and you will have a steeing box with a rolling sector gear that will steer MUCH easier. you can use your 35 column and steering shaft. just have to press off the 35 worm gear on the end of the shaft and pess on the 39 worm gear. the worst part is getting the steering wheel off without destroying it.
if you look at my previous threads, there is extensive info on how to change steering boxes from JM35 Sedan and others. i think he sent me an email on the process also if you want it.

[rich b]

If you are only using the early box to move the truck around it would probably be easier to
leave the proper mount in place and make an intermediate plate to adapt the '35 box, until you can find a later box. Not that easy to get out, besides the four rivets there are usually a couple of stubborn spot welds.

[CSArno]

rivet holes on both plates use the same frame holes.
actually 37 to 48 steering boxes he can use right Walt?

[35fordtn]

If your truck is indeed a 1935, you would be best finding a 1937 pickup column. This way the steering column drop and length of the shaft will remain the same as you 1935.. If you use a later say 38 or 39 column the column drop will not line up with your dash. Or..... install a 1935-36 mounting bracket

[NealinCA]

37-48 boxes all interchange (although shafts are different). If you want to use the original style light switch, you will need a 37-39 lower cover plate and light switch bracket, along with your 35 shaft as indicated above.

I have a pile of bare 37-48 boxes, if you can't find one locally.

Neal

[35fordtn]

Neal,
Could a 1935 sector shaft actually be used with a 37-48 box and sector?

[Vanspeed]

Sorry yes building a 35 pickup. Original frame was shot, worst I have seen but it came with a 39 frame. I am adapting the entire 35 truck over to the 39 frame so I would really like the 35 box to stay.

[JSeery]

Originally Posted by Vanspeed

Sorry yes building a 35 pickup. Original frame was shot, worst I have seen but it came with a 39 frame. I am adapting the entire 35 truck over to the 39 frame so I would really like the 35 box to stay.

Bad selection for a steering box, but your truck. About all you can do is build an adapter plate or change out the frame mount. Do you have the old one from the original frame?

[Vanspeed]

Yes I do. I have the complete chassis sitting here and I have been using it as a template for the 39 frame. I am going to swap the mounts, i want this to be as much 35 as I can.

[NealinCA]

Originally Posted by 35fordtn

Neal,
Could a 1935 sector shaft actually be used with a 37-48 box and sector?

No, sorry for the confusion. You would need to use the 37-48 sector shaft and worm, but could use the 35 main steering shaft and press on the later worm.

[flatheadfan]

I am not Walt but I think you would find that the '41-48 gear assembly has a longer steering/worm shaft. To use the longer shaft you need to truncate it approximately 1.75". As for the box portion, the holes of '37-'48 are the same. If interest in additional instructions on swapping gear assemblies send me a PM with your email address.

Tom

[Vanspeed]

Thanks guys but I am sticking with the original 35 box for now. It is very nice, no play and feels smooth. If I want to update it I will consider your choices. Thanks.

[CSArno]

ha! Sorry Tom, it was you that sent that info to me to do the swap. thanks so much.

[JM 35 Sedan]

Originally Posted by CSArno

ha! Sorry Tom, it was you that sent that info to me to do the swap. thanks so much.

I may have sent you a copy of an early 70's Street Rodders magazine article on rebuilding the '37-'48 Ford steering box.
John

[1936 ford pickup]

to NealinCa,

I am Bruce Smith in Modesto, Ca. and would be interested in purchasing a '37 steering box either "bare" and/or if you have the steering shaft with worm gear attached as well. I would then completely rebuild with rebuild kit "like new". I have a '36 Ford pickup but have the '37 and later steering box mounting bracket already attached to the frame. I had recently removed and rebuilt "like new" the '36 steering box and when I removed and went to re-install noticed that only two holes had aligned, the steering box and/or mounting bracket must have been changed out years ago and only two bolts attached the steering box to the mounting bracket. Now I know why, by reading these posts. You can see my '36 Ford pickup restoration project on the computer by searching 1936 ford pickup bruce smith and see my videos. Please let me know back if you are interested in selling and my e-mail address is [email protected] and my telephone number is (209) 556-6156.

Thank you,

Bruce Smith