39 steering housing end plate bushing

[3739ford]

Rebuilding my 39 pickup steering gearbox and remembered everything but how the end plate fits back on. Does the brass insert that is in the end plate go over the brass tube on the end of the steering shaft, or inside it? I cannot tell from the drawings I have and looked at online.

[Mart]

The brass tube is supposed to be swaged into the end plate. It has to be a tight fit to stop the oil from leaking. The end of the tube is above the oil level. That's how you can have a hole all the way through the steering gear and still have oil in it.

Mart.

[3739ford]

Tight fit is an under statement from both of my blind eyes it appears the brass piece in the end plate is the same diameter as the brass tube on the end of the steering shaft. I would assume the end plate goes over the steering tube. It is not wanting to cooperate any ideas on how to get it through the end plate?

[JSeery]

It doesn't look like the tube is connected to the endplate. It must be attached with a fluid tight seal. The tube is atteched to the plate prior to installing it.

[3739ford]

OK, so instead of it being two pieces it should just be one piece?

[1931 flamingo]

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yessiree
Paul in CT

[JSeery]

Yes, one piece. And again, if this is not a fluid tight seal it will leak the fluid out of the box. The are often silver soldered together. Maybe someone can recommend other options.

[3739ford]

Anybody make a repop one, or do I have to find an original?

[Mart]

The brass tube has broken off. If you want to retain the horn button in the steering wheel you will need to repair it of make a new one. If you do not need to use the original horn button location, you can seal the hole in the end plate up by some means. JB weld, brazing, welding. Your choice. I'm guessing the horn button is through there on your vehicle, it might be the light switch also. I'm not familiar with that model.

I believe some barners can supply that part NOS (Barnfind08. Could be wrong on that).

Mart.

[3739ford]

I do want to use the original horn button and light switch.

[JSeery]

Should be 78 3597-B.

[3739ford]

Thanks JSeery for the part number.

Does the brass end plate tube fit tight inside the steering shaft, or does the steering shaft turn around it?

[JSeery]

It is a loose fit inside the steering shaft. The brass tube is solidly attached to the endplate and can not turn. Be sure you understand how all of this works before attempting to assemble the steering box. The shims on the end plate are critical to getting it adjusted properly. These are a little difficult to read but may help some. I'll add some text (different source). It was written for an F1, but they are all basically the same. VanPelt has a section of steering box rebuild.

[3739ford]

Thanks, that is the info I was needing. My tube is stuck inside the steering shaft I will have to find a way to get it out.

I have decided to name my pickup "Nemesis" it has fought me tooth and nail every step of the way so far.

[JM 35 Sedan]

I have also seen the end plate with brass tube available as NOS here in classifieds, on Ebay, and at swap meets. If you can locate some brass tubing with the correct OD & ID, you could repair the plate you have.

[deuce lover]

3739ford, check your email.I found one for you.

[3739ford]

Thank you Deuce Lover, I have it on it's way. While I wait on it to arrive it will give me time to get the broken tube out. It is totally not cooperating may end of having to drill it out. Going to spray some PB on it every day and try to work it loose.

Again thanks to everyone I had a drawing, but nothing giving me the detail I needed. I did find last night the bottom section of 3 piece radio antenna for my 42 Ford jeep that is the same size diameter. I really did not want to cut it up.

[JSeery]

You might be able to remove it like you would a bushing. See if you can drive something between the tube and the steering shaft to get part of the tube to collapse or split. They use needle nose plies to twist it out, like unscrewing a bolt.

[RKS.PA]

Sorry if I missed it, but have you removed the steering wheel? I had a similar problem on my '39 Fordor. My attempts at silver solder weren't successful, but the JB Weld attempt was. I didn't have a replacement option at the time.

[JM 35 Sedan]

The original crimp/swedging that attached the brass tube to bottom plate was not the best construction. You may want to consider some type of solder or braze at that tube to plate junction for additional strength.