50 Ford steering box issue

waynerod

waynerod

Member
Today I was pulling the old shoebox out of garage and I heard a loud snap, and lost all steering capability... It's the original box btw... After getting under the coupe I see the steering box broke away from the frame, bolt(s) broke off.. Is this a matter of just installing new bolts or poss something more serious? Best to ask here before I start repairing. Anyone have helpful advice. Thanks
 
You need to carefully insoect the steering box, the bolts and the frame. This does not normally happen. Something is seroiusly wrong here. Only you have the parts in front of you, you need to do some detective work.

If unsure about anything, post clear photos of the parts.

Also more history on the car would help. has someone replaced the bolts in the past and possibly fitted the wrong grade?

Mart.
 
If in fact the three bolts broke off ( amazing ) then remove the threaded portion left in the steering box and replace them. If the threaded ears on the box broke off then start looking for a replacement box.
 
Update,

I spent the morning partially removing the steering box to allow access to the broken studs and was able to remove 2 of them eventually...looks like 2 of the studs were old breaks, so glad this happened in my garage and not on the road. Will be buying new bolts... thanks for input..
 
I read in the past that the steering box bolts breaking on 49-51 fords was common believe it was in this forum. Dave
 
APDAVE said:
I read in the past that the steering box bolts breaking on 49-51 fords was common believe it was in this forum. Dave
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I guess I'd better have a look at mine. I wouldn't want this to happen on the road.:eek: Thanks for posting.
 
I remember that problem back around 1961. My brother or I had a 1951 where the steering box bolts either came loose or the bolts broke. Don't remember which but I believe we noticed it while working under the car.
 
It's a common problem in the 49-51 Fords. I have a friend who had it happen to him when he as on the way home from a tour. He was lucky that he was able to get the car stopped and off to the side of the road. The bolts that pass through the frame get rusty and lose their tensile strength. When one breaks it allows the box to begin moving against the frame and it eventually breaks the other bolts. You don't notice the problem with the first bolt, that's why you should check those bolts and replace them if it has never been done. I think the V-8 Times had an article regarding this problem sometime back.
 
Bolts have to be tight to hold design tensile & shear strength. If they work loose, they will break. The steering box is subjected to a lot of forces in service and worn tires or steering/suspension components don't help the matter.
 
rotorwrench said:
Bolts have to be tight to hold design tensile & shear strength. If they work loose, they will break. The steering box is subjected to a lot of forces in service and worn tires or steering/suspension components don't help the matter.
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So true a lot of factors involved in the stability of the 3 steering box bolts.. I found some replacement bolts at the auto parts store. Believe me now I'm aware of this, I will keep an eye on the bolts. Glad others have signed in , about the weakness of the steering box bolts. Shoebox fords ;)
 
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