early V8 steering box bearing ..help!

Lowsquire

Lowsquire

Member
Hi all,

Rebuilding a 34 (i think) steering box to go into a 33 pickup chassis, I ordered all the rebuild parts from Macs, everything is spot on, except the upper bearing cup. Macs lists the same upper and lower bearing, but they are clearly different in this steering box.
L1030187.jpg


The lower cup Ford No. is B-3552, and macs supplied this for the upper also..its too small in the OD.see pics.
L1030185.jpg



But the original cup has B-3553 as a part no. Macs does not list this number, and I am having trouble finding this number on any online early ford parts suppliers websites.
L1030184.jpg

I went to the local bearing joint, and according to him the Timken No. for this bearing is 06. No one I can find in australia has this Timken bearing cup.

does anyone know who can supply me this Damn thing??

L1030188.jpg
 
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I share your confusion from looking at the description on the new bearing box you show in the pic. In the catalog both different cups are clearly illustrated, looks like a product labeling error to me. I only remember getting the correct two different cups from mac's several years ago because I overhauled 2 of these units myself. If you want to keep the spare and go to Dick Spadaro with the story you can get the right thing. If you return it to mac's for exchange, what are the odds it will be the wrong one agian?

Also I notice the housing is modified. I run mine exposed without a column tube. Rather than use the felt seal above the top bearing I wanted to keep the rain/dirt out, not a trailer queen. So I sized a seal at the bearing store that would drive into the recess (about 7/8") where the felt went & fit the shaft (3/4"). Good insurance for a couple bucks.

http://macsautoparts.com/search.asp?sb=0&ls=y&camid=F30&year=0&make=&ss=steering+bearing&x=18&y=8

http://macsautoparts.com/early-v8-s...assenger-b-3552/camid/F30/cp/JS0R3CHL1129306/
 
I do not think those are available anywhere! You are going to have to find a usable one in a used box. They were used in boxes thru 48.
 
Really? Not available at all? damn thats frustrating.
well I do have a 39 steering box lying around thats rusty as hell, maybe by some miracle the bearing cup will be perfect! Ill pull it apart tomorrow..not holding my breath though.
I should email Dick Spadaro too.
 
B-3553 is no longer available. Maybe you can find one in a suppliers inventory but expect to pay$$. In 35 they replaced the race with 68-3553 which is longer in length. To use the 68 race you have to modify the spring washer just on top of the race and remove both of the springs.
 
i machined an aluminum adaptor to utilize the smaller available cup in the center of a bigger carrier. so the end result duplicates the bugger unavailable cup. presto problem solved.
 
I have the 68-3553 that replaces the the b-3553. You just remone the thick washer that sits on top of the cup. The price is 30.00 plus 5.00 postage. These are nos timpken. Thanks fred
 
Crap, I have a case that need's everything and thought it would be as simple as the other ones. I better get what I can for it now.
 
I just purchased parts for a pickup from Joblot Automotive in NY phone 800-221-0172
there book shows that they carry the part you need. I am very happy with the parts I received.
 
Thanks all, I found the later bearing, which is Ford No. 78-3553 is still available as a 6 CE timken. I have one on the way from the other end of the country..will let you all know how it works out.

thanks to all!

Ben
 
Talk to or email Richard @ Early V8 Garage. He'll take care of you. He's listed as a vendor and is the best.
Jim
 
Thanks again,
If the cup gets here and is wrong, Ill contact you, Banfind08.
The guys at the bearing place were aware its to accept a 5BA bearing, hope their info is right.
 
Had problems when ordering several items from Mac's. They have no idea when a part is mislabled. All they know is the part number. It's almost the same mentallity as McDonald's. Had a trans part shipped and ordered 6 times before they could figure out that is wasn't the correct part forf the number. Good Luck.
 
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