That FOMOCO logo makes it early 1950's at least. The bolts are NOT 1940 Ford anything...
I'd suggest you post this on a later forum and let those guys take a stab at it.
There were also late 60's early 70's Corvette parts in that box, so I'm guessing the rods are for that. As for the column drop, I have two of them and they are for sale if interested flyboy89.