1941 Steering Column Shaft Removal

[J.D.G.]

My ‘41 Convertible just had a steering column shaft with no column installed when I got it (pictured on top). It also came with a complete steering column assembly (pictured on bottom). I went to install the steering column over the shaft that came in the car when I realized that the shaft was about 3 inches longer than the one that came with the column. Removed the steering box and it looks like the one that came with the column is right hand drive? Removed the end plate to see if I could remove the shaft and swap them but am not sure if it’s just pressed on the bearing or if there is some sort of retainer holding it in there.

Questions:
1. Why are the steering shafts different lengths?
2. Is the steering box pictured on the bottom for a right hand drive application?
3. How do I separate the shaft from the box so that I can swap them?

Thank you as always for the help!
- J.D.

 

[Ken/Alabama]

Gotta disassemble the steering box. Not a hard thing to do.

 

[J.D.G.]

Thanks Ken… just wanted to make sure it was doable before tearing into them. I assume it’s pretty self explanatory once you’re in there?

 

[rich b]

It is not as simple as tearing down the boxes and switching shafts as the worm gear is different in the r/h drive box.

 

[J.D.G.]

It is not as simple as tearing down the boxes and switching shafts as the worm gear is different in the r/h drive box.

Perfect, and I’m guessing the worm gear can’t be removed?

 

[petehoovie]

My ‘41 Convertible just had a steering column shaft with no column installed when I got it (pictured on top). It also came with a complete steering column assembly (pictured on bottom). I went to install the steering column over the shaft that came in the car when I realized that the shaft was about 3 inches longer than the one that came with the column. Removed the steering box and it looks like the one that came with the column is right hand drive? Removed the end plate to see if I could remove the shaft and swap them but am not sure if it’s just pressed on the bearing or if there is some sort of retainer holding it in there.

Questions:
1. Why are the steering shafts different lengths?
2. Is the steering box pictured on the bottom for a right hand drive application?
3. How do I separate the shaft from the box so that I can swap them?

Thank you as always for the help!
- J.D.

 

[Ken/Alabama]

It is not as simple as tearing down the boxes and switching shafts as the worm gear is different in the r/h drive box.

Oops! Didn’t read the part about the right hand drive.

 

[cadillac512]

I find it odd that the worm would be different in a RH box. Still needs to turn both directions equally... But I am certainly not an expert. Could the longer shaft be Merc?

 

[glennpm]

I can't see enough detail to tell whether it is a RHD box. Closeup pictures of the boxes will help.

Yes the worm could be changed. All will press off with different efforts. I have done it with my 20 ton press.

Glenn

 

[J.D.G.]

Was basing it being a right hand drive box solely based on it being a mirror image of the box I removed from the car. It is stamped with 78F-3550. I also found the bare column that has blue paint that matches the rest of the overspray on the interior parts and it’s the same length as the complete unit I have. I’m not really sure what’s going on here.

 

[petehoovie]

Was basing it being a right hand drive box solely based on it being a mirror image of the box I removed from the car. It is stamped with 78F-3550. I also found the bare column that has blue paint that matches the rest of the overspray on the interior parts and it’s the same length as the complete unit I have. I’m not really sure what’s going on here.

 

[Kurt in NJ]

It will just take a little learning to turn left for right, right for left

 

[FlatheadTed]

The lower box is right hand drive doesn't show any spline.The right hand worm can be used on a left hand car were the sector comes through a hole in the frame 32 to 34 , but needs a matching sector. Removing the Worm can be done several ways most shops who have a press (as said ) can do t ,You need some kind of collar or if its worn out cut it of with a cut of wheel . Ted

 

[V8COOPMAN]

Was basing it being a right hand drive box solely based on it being a mirror image of the box I removed from the car. It is stamped with 78F-3550. I also found the bare column that has blue paint that matches the rest of the overspray on the interior parts and it’s the same length as the complete unit I have. I’m not really sure what’s going on here.

That "F" in '78F-3550' generally means RIGHT HAND DRIVE.


MERCURY columns are generally 4" longer than like-year Fords.

Coop


.

 

[69a]

I'm just thinking out loud, I have built from scratch, a rack and pinion housing to convert from RH to LH drive. Still used the same gears. you should be able to swap out the the RHD worm without pressing it off the correct length shaft. The sector should also be the same, just sitting on the opposite side of the worm. I don't see any reason that you can't theoretically swap the housings over. Prove me wrong. Pull it apart and see.

 

[glennpm]

The Ford 1941 has helical gear sets, that is both the worm and the sector are helical and matched; both either left-hand or right-hand. This figure simplifies the action.

- LHD, turn the steering wheel (worm gear) CW and the sector shaft turns CCW which moves the pitman arm to the rear and pushes the drag link forward. The tires will now be pointed for a right hand turn.

- RHD, turn the wheel CW and the sector shaft turns CW, rotating the Pitman arm to the the rear and pulls the drag link with it, for a right hand turn.

 

[J.D.G.]

Okay, I got everything torn apart and the worm gears are different. I have the correct worm gear within a 1/4 inch of being all the way on the correct shaft and it won’t budge any further. Going to press it back off and heat it up while giving the shaft an ice bath and try again.

 

[glennpm]

Good job for the oven. I heated the worm to 500 degrees.

 

[J.D.G.]

Heat and ice for the win. Originally fought it for an hour… took 10 minutes the second time with heat and ice water.

Thanks everyone for your help!

My takeaways are:
- sounds like maybe there was a Mercury shaft that was installed which was longer than the Ford shaft I needed.
- my nos steering column was for right hand drive applications

 

[glennpm]

Great!