1936 Steering Box

[Gav73]

Hi guys,
I'm after a bit of help. I have a 36 coupe with the original steering box, it has a lot of slop in it and I want to replace it. I heard that a 37 box is the way to go. Is it a straight swap, or does it need some modification? Are other boxes compatible?

 

[TerryOH]

Not a straight swap. The 37 box uses a different frame bracket for mounting. The 36 box is not that difficult to rebuild and parts are available. The 36 box differs from the earlier boxes because it uses needle bearings on the sector shaft instead of bushings. This does reduce steering effort slightly.

 

[NealinCA]

Here is a good article on swapping in a 37-39 steering box into a 35-36.

http://www.goldengatev8.org/tips/SteeringGearSwap35-36/SteeringGearSwap.htm

Neal

 

[VeryTangled]

Hi Gav73, Welcome to the FordBarn forums!

About a year and a half ago, we swapped in a '37 box into our '36. It steers much easier now, much less 'armstrong.' I didn't work on collecting the parts, but I remember that the bulb at the bottom of the steering column had to be switched, and there's a spring/clip that holds it on which I think is tough to find. Getting the old bracket out (it's riveted in) was a bit of an exercise. Getting the horn rod out is harder with a closed car, ours is open.

-VT/JeffH

PS, Some search results:
http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=111642

 

[B-nut]

As much as an improvement the 36 box is over the 35 , for me they are all vastly inferior to the slightly later bx. Yes changing the mounting bracket is a huge pain but well worth it in the end!

 

[Gav73]

Thanks very much for the information and the welcome. Now to hunt for parts.