? Putting '37 Steering in '35/'36 ?

JM 35 Sedan

Well-known member
Which pitman arm would be best to use when converting from a '35/'36 steering box to a '37-'41 box? I have pitman arms from years '32 to '48 but not sure which one would work best. I know that many of you have made this conversion, so I'm wondering which pitman arm some of you used and why did you pick one arm in particular? Thank you!
 
John, When I did this particular conversion to my 35, I used the original 35 pitman arm. Don't know if it's right or not, but have had absolutely no issues with it. A most worthwhile improvement; it's like having power steering! Brian
 
JOHN; The pitman arm for 39 is #79-3590. if that helps ?? I know how you are with numbers ....OLD...BILL
 
We just finished putting a 37 box in a 35 and used the 35 pitman arm. We also used the 35 frame mounting plate. Made a cardboard template of both the 37 box mounting holes and a template of the 35 frame mount. Put the two together and saw where the new hole in the box had to be made to fit the 35 frame. It was easy and will worth it, work and money. Also moved the
locking device on the steering shaft up the shaft by 1/2 inch. Put a roller bearing kit near the top of the shaft and you now have a different driver. Do it. Chet/Ma.
 
hi do you have the bearing number for the top of the column? would like to do this to my 37 pickup.Thanks Tony.
 
Tony,
Here are two possibilities for replacing the old original style rubber bushing
at the top of steering column with a modern bearing.
1. Use these Ford parts:
C3DZ-3517A Bearing
B1AZ-3518A Bushing
C3DZ-3520A Spring
2. Another possibility is to purchase a nice upper steering column bearing kit made by Dan Brusegard, 6425 Eagle Lake Drive, Maple Grove, MN 55369 Phone # 763-533-9879

hi do you have the bearing number for the top of the column? would like to do this to my 37 pickup.Thanks Tony.
 
well....it sounds like most of you who answered my post used the stock '35-'36 pitman arm #48-3590. This is what it thought I would do as well but I think someone had once suggested that I use a #78-3590 arm and I could not think of any advantage. The 78-3590 is about 3/4" longer than the 48-3590 and has a double bend configuration while the 48-3590 is basically straight. Thanks to everyone who responded.
 
I put a '40 steering gear setup in my '36 coupe over 50 years ago, it turned out to be one of the better upgrades to the car. I did not like how the '40 pitman arm hung down below the chassis so switched to a '36 arm as soon as I could get hold of one... The '36 arm is flatter, no off sets like the later model arms.
 
I would definitely go with the upper steering column bearing kit made by Dan Brusegard, 6425 Eagle Lake Drive, Maple Grove, MN 55369 Phone # 763-533-9879. Simple to install and works magic on the steer-ability.
 
I would definitely go with the upper steering column bearing kit made by Dan Brusegard, 6425 Eagle Lake Drive, Maple Grove, MN 55369 Phone # 763-533-9879. Simple to install and works magic on the steer-ability.
I installed one 15-20 yrs ago still working great. He has the best around.ken ct 36 5/w:)
 
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