Steering box rebuilder

37 Coupe

37 Coupe

Well-known member
Has anybody ever used the steering box rebuilder Lares that advertises in the Early Ford V8 Times? Friend of mine sent a '36 box to them that was quoted at less than $400 on phone but is now at almost $750.00. I have allways rebuilt my own a 37,39 and a 1946 but when I did them you could find NOS Genuine sector shaft and steering shaft,and even 20-30 years ago they were pretty expensive. I told him from the beginning I don't know how they could promise you the cheaper price. Also told him to go with later box to no avail.
 
I have two friends who used Lares to rebuild their '34 Ford steering boxes. They had a similar experience of "bait and switch" pricing, plus the rebuilds were not done well and gave them problems. Also have a friend who bought one of Hot Rod John's so called "EZ Steer" steering boxes for his '34 pickup. After two returns for correction of the same problem, he wound up sending it back a third time for a refund.
 
I had Lares rebuild my Saginaw steering box. Got it back with all the old parts, included in the shipping box, with the rebuilt gearbox. After a few months I had an issue. Sent it back and they remedied my problem. Unfortunately I was out shipping twice. Actually, I believe they give a lifetime warranty.
 
Mike Bartlett does steering box rebuilds. I have not had one done by him Yet. But he did ny 36 shocks for me and i am Happy

205 East E street
Kannapolis Nc 28083
704-728-2484
 
I rebuild my own. I only had to make one tool for installing the worm gear on the steering shaft. If your worm & sector are good, it's just a matter of replacing the worn out stuff like gaskets, seals, bushings, and sometimes bearings. If the bearings are still good I reuse them.
 
I have read in the V-8 Times that the supply of NOS parts for shoeboxes is used up.
And that the China stuff varies from good to bad, some parts are OK and some are not. Would be a crap shoot whether the rebuild would be good or bad!
 
rotorwrench said:
I rebuild my own. I only had to make one tool for installing the worm gear on the steering shaft. If your worm & sector are good, it's just a matter of replacing the worn out stuff like gaskets, seals, bushings, and sometimes bearings. If the bearings are still good I reuse them.
Click to expand...

Rotorwrench, I'd be interested in learning about that tool. I'm thinking about threading the shaft and pulling it through the worm with a grade 8 bolt and flat washer. Thanks.
 
Neal's got it. I just fabricated a steel tube that hugs the steering shaft and is anchored to keep it straight while pressing.
 
Is it worth getting ,I am wonder ing is this common to both builders because they are using the re popped worms ,?? ( loose ) Ted

JM 35
3018]I have two friends who used Lares to rebuild their '34 Ford steering boxes. They had a similar experience of "bait and switch" pricing, plus the rebuilds were not done well and gave them problems. Also have a friend who bought one of Hot Rod John's so called "EZ Steer" steering boxes for his '34 pickup. After two returns for correction of the same problem, he wound up sending it back a third time for a refund.[/QUOTE]
 
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Lares rebuilt mine. It was $600 but they called me after they figured out what was wrong with an estimate. Had an issue first year they stood behind it. No complaints here.
 
I was trying to copy a post to this thread from Mikes Speed shop I think,he was giving a helpful response to my friends problem and Ryan or someone deleted before I got his contact information. Mayby private message me.
 
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