39 column to 525 box

[cuzncletus]

I've decided to use the stock column in my flattie powered 39 w/ a 525 box. Two questions: What u-joint(s) do I use, and does the column need any additional support since I'm going to have to cut the shaft from the original steering box. Thanks in advance.

[Fat Fender]

I've installed a 525 twice. Once in my 46 Ford, and once in a 47 Merc. I used a Borgeson (I think that's how it's spelled) U-Joint. A single U-Joint worked fine. It fit the star on the 525 and was smooth round for the steering shaft. I cut the stock steering shaft to fit into the U-Joint. I also cut the outer tube short enough to clear the U-Joint. I made a collar to fit inside the tube and to hold a bearing. The bearing fit the steering shaft and was secured by the collar. The shortened original column is then secured by the column drop at the top, and a homemade brace at the floor. Note that the stock pitman arm will fit onto the 525 box. Any questions, please email.

[duff]

Fat Fender. Regarding your response to 39 column to 525 box...What kind of fit,...or "not to fit" do you anticipate with Red's tube headers vs stock exhaust manifod? Also what type or part # bearing would you suggest for inserting into the lower tube portion of steering column?

[dude]

look at item # 200513728068 on e-bay,have used this item and works great.

[TJ]

With the 525 box you must be aware that some are 30 spline and some 36 spline. That determines which Borgeson joint that you use. On the column end (bottom) I use a common wheel barrow bearing that you can buy at ACE hardware.It will slip right up into the tube. The Ford shaft will need to be sanded down a bit to get the bearing to slip over the shaft. For some reason it was made a thousandth or two bigger that 3/4. You will also use a collar on the bottom of the shaft to hold the bearing in place in the tube.
To mount the column to the floorboard I use a flat piece of steel plate(1/16). I use a piece that is usually 4"X6" and use a hole saw to bore a hole in it the same size as the steering tube. I then cut the plate in half so I have two 3" wide pieces. I next use a 1 1/2 inch diameter muffle clamp and weld the clamp part to one side of the plate so it matches the hole in the plate. You can put this plate on the top of the floor or bottom whichever is easier. Screw this plate down next to the column tube. Take the other half plate and screw it down where it comes against the first plate. Put the U bolt from the muffler clamp into the clamp plate and snug up the bolts and you are done.
I'm not sure about Red's Headers and the 525 box. On my 40 I used the headers from Speedway that are used to put a Vega box in a 35-40. I also found that you need to use the 525 bracket that puts the box closer to the frame to get enough clearance. Using an adapter that bolts to the original mount put the box too close to the motor and exhaust.

[Jay in Mass]

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"Note that the stock pitman arm will fit onto the 525 box. Any questions, please email".

What does a 525 box come out of?
Thanks for your reply.

[TJ]

The 525 box comes out of mid sized GM cars. Chevelles, Novas,Buick Skylarks, Pontiac Ventura, etc. They are also found in Jeep Cherokees.

[Fat Fender]

Duff - the cars that I installed the 525 into had 350 SBC's installed so I don't know how the headers would fit.

[cuzncletus]

On the 525 box, the driver's side header would not clear the box. We had to modify the driver's side header to fit. If anyone is interested, we kept the dimensions and can build/modify a header that works with the 525 box.

[Chisel]

You gentleman that put a 525 box in your old Fords what was the results and was it worth the effort? How many turns lock to lock etc etc.

[Jay in Mass]

TJ
Thanks for the answer.
Jay

[TJ]

I don't recall the number of turns lock to lock. I will tell you that the 525 box when used withn the stock 17" steering wheel(which gives more leverage) is almost as good as power steering. I've put 5 of them in V-8 Fords. It's the best change you can make for ease of steering.

[36tbird]

I had a manual GM box in my '36 Sedan. Don't remember the lock to lock. It steered well but that thing was not easy. I now have a rebuilt '40 box in my '36 pickup and I like it better than the GM box. It wanders a bit like you might expect with older technology, but it gets down the road fine. Are you trying to fix non-radial tires with the 525?