'56 rebuilt steering box.....

[Ford Freak]

Hey guy's! Is there any place that you know of that sells a rebuilt steering box for my '56 Fairlane? Also, when removing my box does the shaft come out w/it, or can it be disconnected? Thanks in advance! F F

 

[paul2748]

Your best bet is to get yours rebuilt. There are a few rebuilders, these are the ones I know of. Only had business with Lares which was ok


Lares - Minnesota


Redhead Steering Gears Washington State


I am sure there are others


The shaft does not separate from the box w/o taking it all apart.

 

[miker98038]

I don’t think the shaft comes out, at least from what I’ve read. Which makes shipping a problem. Around here, one of the rebuild shops does old cars, along with more modern and heavy trucks. Ask around with the street rod guys, you may get a local lead. Otherwise Lares is pretty well regarded.

 

[GLAmes]

I rebuilt the one in my '54 It isn't very difficult. I don't know about the '56 but the '54 shaft is pretty much one with the box. To remove it requires pulling back the carpet and removing the two clamshell type covers. I advise to remove the steering wheel. Disconnect the shift linkage and the horn wire. After removing the bolts it came out with minimal effort.

 

[Ford Freak]

Ok, thanks guy's! F F

 

[Ford Freak]

I rebuilt the one in my '54 It isn't very difficult. I don't know about the '56 but the '54 shaft is pretty much one with the box. To remove it requires pulling back the carpet and removing the two clamshell type covers. I advise to remove the steering wheel. Disconnect the shift linkage and the horn wire. After removing the bolts it came out with minimal effort.

Did you pull it out from below, or through the top of engine compartment? If from below, the front of the car would have to be raised up pretty high, I would think. Sadly, I don't have a lift at my disposal. - F F

 

[GLAmes]

Pull it out from under the dash, through the hole in the floorboards created when you remove the two clamshell covers. The steering wheel would probably hit the headliner if not removed.

 

[51504bat]

There is a guy on the HAMB NealinCA that has a good rep for early Ford box rebuilding. Not sure if he does '56 boxes but might be worth a contact. JMO

 

[Ford Freak]

Thanks for all the info, guys!

 

[evintho]

IIRC, you'd take the box and shaft out as one. Easiest way would be remove the steering wheel and disconnect everything. You may or may not have to pull the front seat. Pull the entire assembly out through the floorboard and chuck it in a vise. The box is easily rebuilt. There's only 2 bearings and an oil seal inside. Remove the 4 bolt cover and you'll have access to the sector gear. The sector gear locks into the worm gear and retains the worm gear/steering shaft. Simply lift both the sector gear and worm gear/shaft out at the same time. The tube in the 3rd pic, I believe holds the horn wiring that comes up through the shaft and the worm gear/shaft slides on top of that. This was on my '54. I imagine it's identical to a '56.

https://www.fordbarn.com/attachments/583445/

https://www.fordbarn.com/attachments/583448/

https://www.fordbarn.com/attachments/583449/