1932 Steering Question - I need help.

J

jagalyn

Member
I have an original 1932 steering box that goes through the frame to the steering. My first question is it's missing the pitman arm to connect to the steering drag link. I have not been able to find one anywhere... is there one available or a substitute that can be used?

My second question is should I use the original box or convert it to something else. I'm not quite sure how much play is in it. Are these difficult and/or expensive to rebuild? Isn't there a wide turning radius that is associated with these early ford boxes? Would it be better to switch to a newer box and if so, which one?

Any help would be appreciated by this newbie who is learning more than I could imagine. Thank you in advance.

Jeff
 
Hi Jeff,

GOOD QUESTIONS!

Tell us what you are going to do with the car. If it is going to be an original or simi original car, I would consider using the original streering box. They can be rebuilt and modified by installing needle bearings which make them easier to steer. Parts are now available. I do not think there is an issue with turning radius. Pitman arms are a little hard to find but I would put an ad on the "Parts Wanted" of the "Barn" and I am sure you will not have a problem finding one.

I find, most of the time, it is easier to stay with original components as things usually fit and work and in the end, you project usually has more value. If you are building a "Modern" Hot Rod, then get into the catalog and you can order anything you will need but in the end, you will have a car just like a lot of others and you will never realize out of it what the components cost.

Again, This is just MY OPINION.

Chris
 
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You can go with 34 15-1 worm and sector and help it a lot.
With original 32 spindles, you can take the balls out and go with 35-48 tie rod ends (you will have to pick up a later tierod), this will help steering a lot. You do not say what kind of a 32 you have, commercial pitman arms are slightly different than passenger. I am sure someone on the board would have a arm to sell, might have one myself.
 
jimTN said:
You can go with 34 15-1 worm and sector and help it a lot.
With original 32 spindles, you can take the balls out and go with 35-48 tie rod ends (you will have to pick up a later tierod), this will help steering a lot. You do not say what kind of a 32 you have, commercial pitman arms are slightly different than passenger. I am sure someone on the board would have a arm to sell, might have one myself.
Click to expand...

There are new 15:1 gears available (from Argentina) that seem to be ok - the former version/supplier were not. There are also new correct pivot balls available for the Pitman arm, steering arm on the LF spindle and the arms for the tie rod. Properly done, these early ends work good. The difference between the Passenger and Commercial Pitman arm is that they are "clocked" slightly difference due to the steeper angle of the steering column on Commercials. The passenger arm will have an "A" stamped at the big end, vs. the Commercial which will have a "B". The clocking CAN be corrected in order to use the "wrong" one; requires some filing of the 4 wide bands among the serrations. Good to find the correct arm so do not have to mess with it. Some people replace the bushings in the sector housing with needle bearings, which Ford used ONLY in 1936 and then reverted to bushings... Another important "fix" is to machine the sector housing for a seal to eliminate oil leaks at the sector shaft where it exits the housing. It is also important to install an "oil tube" in the bottom plate (silver solder the joint) that extends upward and above the oil level. 32's had only a cork disc and a concave metal disc that was "supposed" to squish the cork against the light switch rod and prevent leaks - it didn't... Keeping the oil in it is very important. (See previous threads regarding huge differences of opinion on what lube should be used in steerings... the filler cap says "Heavy Gear Oil" so that is what we use...)

Installing a needle bearing (in the column tube) and race sleeve (on the shaft) at the top of the column does wonders for steering smoothness and reduced effort. We make one up with a rubber bushing to insulate/isolate the column. There are other types being offered by several people...

If the above stuff is done to a 32 steering AND using good/proper parts AND properly set up and adjusted, they will work just fine and no modifications to the chassis are required. Some of the retro-fit solutions can cause other problems, but WILL result in easier steering, which is accomplished by using a numerically larger ratio, which also causes the steering to become very slow and may also result in less "road feel" at higher speeds. The 15:1 is reasonably easy to steer at lower speeds, and is sufficiently quick at higher speeds.

IF you are building other than a reasonably-originial vehicle, the above may not pertain... If you plan to run fat/wide wheels/tires on the front, ditto...
 
I want to build a "traditional" 32 that looks similar to this one. Nothing "new" and nothing "shiny". These are the parts I'm missing from my steering... I know the one by the frame is referred to as a pitman arm... what is the bent one by the hub? Is that part of the spindle?

Again. thank you from a newbie.... I've never done this before and I'm learning a lot.

Jeff
 

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That car in the pic has some interesting parts. The brakes are real Lincoln. The spindes are later cross steer with a steering arm welded to the top boss. A beautiful job! The pitman arm is not a 32. I will look to see what I have as I have a few arms. A 32 arm would connect to the drag link on the other side to give more room to turn the tire.
The arm welded to the spindle is probably off a 32-34 spindle. A pitman arm could also be used. Cutting up a spindle and loosing a pair is worse than using a plentiful pitman arm.
 
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jagalyn said:
I want to build a "traditional" 32 that looks similar to this one. Nothing "new" and nothing "shiny". These are the parts I'm missing from my steering... I know the one by the frame is referred to as a pitman arm... what is the bent one by the hub? Is that part of the spindle?

Again. thank you from a newbie.... I've never done this before and I'm learning a lot.

Jeff
Click to expand...

I like the idea of building a Traditional High Boy '32 Roadster. :)

There are several ways of doing the front steering. I think you need to talk to Richard at the Early V-8 Garage. Send him a PM or you can call him at 626 338-2282. They will know exactly what you need and should be able to help you.

Keep asking questions, there is a world of knowledge here on the "Barn" and everyone is very helpful.

Carry on, and keep us poster as to your progress.

Chris
 
Andy,
Thanks for taking the time to look for the pitman arms. Please let me know what you find... and thanks for your help.
Jeff
 
Jeff,

I have a 32 Ford Pitman arm, sandblasted, no damage. I also have a pair of 32 Ford spindles which have the steering arm, original dirty grimey condition, no damage. If interested give me a call 908 953 0677 or PM Thanks, Tom
 
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