53 Ford steering box

[Johnnydidd]

How much play should there be in the steering wheel, I have 7 1/2 inches. I assume that you tighten up the steering is by the screw on top of box, how do you adjust it with getting it too tight. How does tbe whole box come out, looks it will hit the frame. John

 

[Rick-MA]

John,

I just replaced the steering box in my '53 and had to remove the brake line from the master cylinder to the distributing block on the frame. I pulled the box/shaft assembly straight out. I had tried to remove it from underneath, but the box hit the lower a-arm. There may have been another way, but between the a-arm and the headers I couldn't get it.

I haven't adjusted the play yet. I have a shop manual that has the procedure to refer to, so that will be next. (Oh...and bleeding the brakes!)

Rick

 

[rotorwrench]

My 51 Mercs have a removable floor plate with sheet metal type screws to allow the box & column to be pulled into the cab. The steering wheel and any shift linkages (if applicable) have to be disconnected in order to draw it up through the floor.

If you adjust the box, you need to jack the front supension clear of the floor to allow full and easy movement of the complete steering mechanism. The steering shaft has to be centered and the pitman arm has to be centered before tightening the backlash between the worm and the sector. When it gets to the point that there is no backlash movement of the pitman arm, then it is a tight as it is going to get. Then you have to move the steering wheel back an forth from both right & left and feel for rough spots. If there are rough spots them something in there is worn out (usually the worm gear).

 

[Johnnydidd]

I think I got lucky, turned the adjusting screw 2 turns, tightened up very well cut my movement by half. Big improvement. Drives very well no binding. If I had radials it would great.Thanks for your help. John