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Technical => Steering & Suspension => Topic started by: jdh6fan on 2010-03-18 22:38

Title: 57 vs 58 steering setup
Post by: jdh6fan on 2010-03-18 22:38
I know this is a question that has more than likely been answerd in the past but I cant seem to grasp it very well.  Why is a 58 steering setup betten than a 57?  I just cleaned up and put back in my car the origional 57 setup of which seems to be kinda sloppy.  So I located a parts car 58 ranchero with a complete steering setup in it.  I plan on pulling it and using it in my 57, but what makes it better than the 57?
Thanks for your time
Jeff
Title: Re: 57 vs 58 steering setup
Post by: canadian_ranchero on 2010-03-19 13:43
in 1958 ford went to a recirculating ball-type steering box.it is better than the gear-type used in 1957.the 1958 box is also smaller,giving more room for engine swaps. 
Title: Re: 57 vs 58 steering setup
Post by: JPotter57 on 2010-03-19 22:36
Even better than the `58-59 box is the 63-64 Galaxie swap.  It is a lot better box, smaller, and has a rag joint, so you can more easily add a modern column....
Title: Re: 57 vs 58 steering setup
Post by: Frankenstein57 on 2010-03-20 08:59
I always assumed the drag link,tie rods, idler arm , were the same 57 to 64. Is this true?Mark
Title: Re: 57 vs 58 steering setup
Post by: JPotter57 on 2010-04-11 14:35
They look the same, but I believe the idler is different, and the tie rod ends may be different lengths.  If you had all of them, lay them on top of each other to verify they are the same.  I may try to check that stuff out this weekend and see.  I'll post what I find...