33 Pickup Steering Box and Headers

Trelpdx

Trelpdx

Senior Member
Guys
Just started in on 33 Pickup. Hasn't driven since 1963. The steering box needs to be replaced. I want something vintage, not after market. Not sure what the current box is off of but it's turned 90 degrees and about a half inch from old header. What years of gear boxes should I be looking for? Do some fit better and offer more clearance to headers? I'm looking for the old style steering column to go with.

Second question is what headers will fit the truck with original frame and get around the steering box?

Thanks much,
Trelpdx
 
Not sure what you mean by "turned 90 degrees".

Can you post a pic? it might help identify what you have.

One swap that is popular is f1. Also f100. Both require some adaption normally involving some machining, fabrication and welding. If you can find one a 37 Hudson box works well, again needing some fabrication. I believe Nash boxes are similar. NealinCA is the expert on these.

Can't say about headers, other than if it is tubular it can be modified more easily than any cast part.

Mart.
 
With it being sideways sounds like a 1940 ford box and a common upgrade back in the day. A stock 33-34 steering box works great after a rebuild or as Mart suggested ones are excellent . Plus a stock setup will have the column and mount you seek.
As far as headers we have used Reds, but that was years ago.. I have seen Bob Drakes for under 100 bucks and my buddy got a set for his 39. They looked pretty good for the price and quality.
 
If you are looking for an upgrade, NealinCA (he is here on the barn) makes a new 33-34 style box that is a direct replacement.
It has worm and roller internals same as late 37-48 passenger cars and F1 pick ups. It ,accepts the 33 steering wheel along with the original style column tube, light rod, horn button and column drop. It bolts in exactly as the original 33 did.
I have several of Neals boxes and they are the best. The difference over stock is amazing.
 
Guys
Here is a picture of the steering box currently in truck. You can see how it was rooted 90 degrees and fill plug is on side. Makes it too close to headers.
 

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I like the F1 boxes, but keep in mind ANY box is going to be close to the header. It is a tight space, the original steering box was close to the header.
 
Trelpdx said:
Guys
Here is a picture of the steering box currently in truck. You can see how it was rooted 90 degrees and fill plug is on side. Makes it too close to headers.
Click to expand...


Doesn't look like a 33-34 steering box to me.It looks like a 35 (which had cross steering) mounted in such a way as to work with your spindle steering arm.Here are pics in my '33 of what it should look like if not altered.
 

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Last edited:
Does the pitman arm stick up? Or down.

I'm guessing it sticks down as the fender is in place.

Does it steer correctly or reverse? (Daft question, but may never have been driven).

I don't recognise the box, it might be a 35 Ford but it would steer backwards unless it had the guts from a 34 box, if it did, then what would be the point?

Mart.
 
With a flathead motor, the F1 works better in relation to the rear exhaust port clearance wise. Pitman arm is easier to adapt also with a F1 seeing that the stock 34 works along with about 6 or 7 other years with different shapes

The F100 has 2 different pitman arms- with or without the ball

I stick with either the F1 or stock
 
Thanks guys
Mart to answer your question, the pitman arm is down and it does steer correctly.
So I'm not familiar with the F1 steering boxs guys are talking about. Is this an after market box? Will the F1 work with stock column or would I get a column that fits the F1 that looks like the original? I'm trying to keep the truck fairly original looking.
 
The F1 box is the orginal steering box that came on F1 Ford pickups. The F100 box is larger. The F1 box looks very similar to the original 33 steering box, as does the column. But the top of the shaft switched from taper to spline.
 
Thanks guys I get it now. If anyone knows what headers will fit the original 33 pickup and fit around the steering box, please let me know.
 
Red's headers work well. They make headers for the 32-34 with stock, F1 or F100 steering. For 32's with 1937 Nash or Hudson steering, I have used Red's headers made for F100 steering in a 32 numerous times with great results.

Neal
 
What's holding that steering box in place? The original mounting tabs aren't bolted to anything. Doesn't look safe to me.
 
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