Steering Box 7 tooth vs 2 Tooth vs F100

I read postings on this forum everyday and usually do not post my suggestions or comments, but I feel that I need to do so in regards to this one.

No matter what type of mechanical steering box you have (2 tooth, 7 tooth, F1, F100 etc...) you can have play in the steering wheel if they are worn, worn out or not rebuilt properly. You can adjust all you want, but the end results would be play.

The ease of steering (not play) is what sets a 2 or 7 tooth steering box apart from a F100 steering box. Both the 2 and 7 tooth steering boxes have a 11 to 1 gear ratio. A
F100 steering box has 17 to 1 gear ratio. The higher the ratio, the easier it is to steer.
 
CarlG said:
I only have one, but for 10 years now, there is zero play in the steering wheel.
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I do not need power steering but slop and unsafe steering is a concern with my worn out 7 tooth. A properly rebuilt 2 tooth would be fine for me but the 7 tooth is just not worth putting money into in my opinion. I think the 7 tooth was a bad design and that's why Henry did away with it.

Ron
 
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I rebuilt 2-tooth boxes in my first two '30 Model As and was very satisfied.
Did learn on the first one that needle bearings are not needed and an unscrupulous machine shop will ream you out as well as the sector housing.

Subsequent '31s have not needed anything but adjustment and STP.

If I had a 28-29 and was not happy with steering, I would get a rebuilt 2-tooth box with the 28-29 column and wheel grafted on it.

Granted, to the average guy off the street the F100 box is not noticeable; but when any knowledgeable Model A person looks, it jumps out like a sore thumb.
That is a deal-breaker for me......
 
Mel Gross said:
The ease of steering (not play) is what sets a 2 or 7 tooth steering box apart from a F100 steering box. Both the 2 and 7 tooth steering boxes have a 11 to 1 gear ratio. A
F100 steering box has 17 to 1 gear ratio. The higher the ratio, the easier it is to steer.
Click to expand...

Don't forget the roller sector also.
 
Synchro909 said:
F100 steering boxes in RHD don't exist, as far as I know. I've never heard of them and 2 tooth steering boxes are not easy to find, even rare so over here, almost everybody runs a 7 tooth. A properly rebuilt 7 tooth steering box is just fine. When I converted my Tudor to RHD, I put in a 7 tooth. There was NO play in the wheel when I did it but now, after about 15-20,000 miles, it has about 1-1 1/2" play and is still a pleasure to drive.
As far as I'm concerned, the only thing to consider would be how original do you want it to look.
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Use s 37 to 48 cross steer box for RHD. Mount it for side steer. Use the frame kickout mounting method. No mods required to the box itself.
 
I think one factor that needs to enter the conversation is the frequency, distance, and driving conditions under which you use your A. Personally, I try to keep my cars as close to stock as possible, but I only drive them about 500 miles per year, light, traffic, only occasional tours over 150 miles. The two tooth is easier to rebuild and adjust, so I changed out my 7 tooth in my Tudor, and my Coupe came with a two tooth, and I have found over the last ten years that as long as I lubricate and adjust everything every year they serve me well in my usages.
 
Jordan said:
I have the F100 in both my cars and love it. You can turn the wheel with one hand sitting still.
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Being a newby and not knowing where to see or get a F100 steering box,
can you tell me where you got yours or where they are available, and can
a stock steering wheel be used on the F100 box?

I have not measured the play in my 2 tooth box, but definitely needs re-build
or replaced. Thanks, John
 
jayvee34 said:
Being a newby and not knowing where to see or get a F100 steering box,
can you tell me where you got yours or where they are available, and can
a stock steering wheel be used on the F100 box?

I have not measured the play in my 2 tooth box, but definitely needs re-build
or replaced. Thanks, John
Click to expand...


John

Stock everything until you get to the steering box that is bolted to the frame of your car. Please do not get the F100 box unless you want to have safe, superior/tight steering (assuming you box is worn out).....Randy rebuilds the F100 box and it is apparent. Some refer to it as power steering but I would not go quite that far in my assessment however the steering will be easier/better. Warning.... you will drive your car faster than 30 as you will be able to control it lol. Its not for everyone but in my opinion a must have for a car that will be driven. You will find your car much more enjoyable to drive and to me it looks like it belongs under the hood however some will disagree. I have had mine installed for just a few days now but I would never go back to the old worn out hard to turn 7 tooth.

You can give Randy Gross a call at 714-292-8660

He is an excellent man to deal with and I highly recommend him.

Ron
 
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I have attached a few photos of what the F100 box looks like in my car.
 

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