'51 Steering Box Rebuild Help

[JLford]

Hi All,

My father and I rebuilt a 1951 Ford Victoria steering box this weekend.

Upon completion, the steering wheel feels tight to turn in the center of the turning range (when turned to favor either side, it becomes easy again). We adjusted the sector shaft to the best of our ability while still trying to maintain an improved degree of slack/play in the wheel. All parts used were Ford NOS.

Does anyone have any ideas why this could be happening?

Thanks,
Justin

 

[JSeery]

It should be tighter in the center, but not overly so.

 

[1948F-1Pickup]

Sector preload is off. (too tight on center)
Not looking at a '51 box right now..... I assume it has a sector adjustment screw?
(particularly since you mentioned it)
If it's adjusted to be "ever so tight" on center, and you have mush on either side,
that's usually an indication of worn out parts in the box...... and yes, I know you have
NOS pieces inside the box.

 

[JLford]

It should be tighter in the center, but not overly so.

Thanks JSeery, that sounds like a pretty accurate description of our box.

 

[Frank Miller]

I forget the specs but it is supposed to require like another lb ft of torque to turn past center. The adjustment is done by turning the sector housing on the box. If you do not have the repair manual it is worth getting.