Adjusting the steering wheel play in a 1951 Ford

[51shoeboxer]

The steering box is different on the 1951 Ford. The bolt that is locked down on the top of the steering box is different from other Ford steering boxes. Before the 1951, the bolt that needed to be unlocked by the 5/8" nut raised or lowered a tapered gear that changed the amount of play in the steering wheel. On the 1951, that bolt does nothing; it is not connected to the tapered gear. What does that bolt do?

I know that play is adjusted by loosening the four bolts on the bottom of the steering box and rotating the adjustable cover clockwise to reduce play in the steering wheel, but what - if anything - does the bolt on the top of the steering box do?

[pbsdaddy]

Maybe this will help. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjyV9JqceQw

[51shoeboxer]

Originally Posted by pbsdaddy

Maybe this will help. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjyV9JqceQw

I viewed that. It was what told me that 1951 Ford steering boxes and play adjustments are different from other years. It did not, however, explain what the bolt on the top of the steering box does.

[51shoeboxer]

Does anyone know what the "adjusting screw" actually does on a 1951 Ford steering box?

[Kurt in NJ]

Probably end thrust— the keep the sector from going up- down

[deuce lover]

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Originally Posted by 51shoeboxer

Does anyone know what the "adjusting screw" actually does on a 1951 Ford steering box?

Maybe a call to Lares Corp in MN who rebuilds steerings can shed some light on your issue. 1-800-555-0767.

[Mac VP]

The answer might be here. The link is to page one…..you’ll have to click on the links to pages 2-5 for the entire article.

http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/f...ordcar-pg1.htm

[terry]

Maybe the steering box for a 48 F1 is totally different, but what my manual said to do
was to remove a shim after opening the end of the box. The shims were very thin pcs
of plastic if I remember right. It seemed something so thin would not make much difference. I was wrong. Removing one shim solved the pbm...no more steering wheel end play. terry

[51shoeboxer]

Originally Posted by Mac VP

The answer might be here. The link is to page one…..you’ll have to click on the links to pages 2-5 for the entire article.

http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/f...ordcar-pg1.htm

Thanks, that is exactly what I needed.

[rotorwrench]

Ford started designing and making there own steering gears after using Gemmer II designs all those years. The Gemmers were sector adjustable with the slot connected stud. Those later ones, before the recirculating ball types, were adjusted with the thrust washers. There wasn't a lot of adjustment that could be done before replacing worn out parts.