I have a 57 with manual steering. I don't mind manual steering at all....I actually prefer it in this old car. But the steering is way too sloppy. It might have already been changed over, it has a chrysler cordova wheel and column in it, and supposedly has a chrysler box, but it looks like a ford one to me.
Anyhow, what would be the best easy replacement of this box? I'm not concerned with keeping the car "original" at all, I just want manual steering and would like it to be as tight as possible. The car has a 460 in it, so I'd like a solution that isn't too big if possible. I also intend to add a large amount of power to this car, so the ability to keep the car in a straight line would be great.
Is there another year steering box/column that I should buy and have rebuilt, or is there a complete unit that can be purchased? I'm not opposed to spending good money to solve this. The car already has Grenada spindles and disk brakes.
Thanks for any info!
The easiest would be to put the Ford unit back in it, but not from a 57. Use the one from a 58 or 59.Thet are greatly improved over the 57 box. Repair parts are still available, too.
Quote from: jumping jack flash on 2013-10-03 09:15
The easiest would be to put the Ford unit back in it, but not from a 57. Use the one from a 58 or 59.Thet are greatly improved over the 57 box. Repair parts are still available, too.
Is that pretty close to a bolt in? Is there a company that sells complete reman units? Thanks for the info!
The "new"(a few years now) Borgenson box has been getting great reviews. I believe it is available in both manual and power, but I don't know for sure as I had gone to Rack and pinion. I believe also even the power unit is smaller than oem manual boxes.
The Borgeson box is power, don't know if they offer a manual. If you want to stay manual 60 - 64 box will bolt in, get the pitman arm with it as the spline arrangement is different, your 57 drag like will bolt up to the 60 - 64 pitman arm. You will have to modify the column either way you go. The 58/59 box is a recipocating ball unit like all the modern boxes. The 57 is worm/sector.
Quote from: Ford Blue blood on 2013-10-03 17:51
The Borgeson box is power, don't know if they offer a manual. If you want to stay manual 60 - 64 box will bolt in, get the pitman arm with it as the spline arrangement is different, your 57 drag like will bolt up to the 60 - 64 pitman arm. You will have to modify the column either way you go. The 58/59 box is a recipocating ball unit like all the modern boxes. The 57 is worm/sector.
Thanks for the info! When I search for a manual borgeson box, this one shows up:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Borgeson-Universal-Steering-Box-Manual-Ford-Each-/390658306506?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5af50cb1ca&vxp=mtr
But when I search the part number in Summit, it doesn't include it on the list of available parts for a 58 or a 62 Ford.
I'm going to see if I can just buy a rebuilt 60-64 box, as you suggest.
Does anyone know what has to be done to a stock steering column to accommodate the Borgenson power steering box?
Thanks,
Tim :unitedstates:
Basically the column needs to have a couple of "stops" put on the lower end to support and locate a bearing. The shaft will need to be ground to take a 3/4" DD U-joint or the upper half of a rag joint. The housing then needs to be "peened" to hold the bearing in place and provide the needed stop for the upper bushing/spring to rest against. Fairly complicated......
FBb, what have others done ? Tim
Aftermarket, Ididit, Borgeson.....
Any particular model? I see a couple for mustangs on epay.
Tim :unitedstates:
They make a "universal" fit that can be ordered in lengths (2" difference) with a splined or 3/4" DD end. I believe all (Borgeson, Ididit and Flaming River) offer them in various lengths, shifter/no shifter, tilt/no tilt and key/no key. Need to check their web site.
Thanks FBb, I did, it will just add $318.00 to the conversion.
Thanks,
Tim :unitedstates:
hi fred here,i have a 57 fairlane 500 and just installed a 58 steering box,also had to change the mast jacket on the steering coloum as well I need some help on hooking up the horn-do I need a 58 steering wheel and turnsignal switch?thanks for any help-----fred
Quote from: fordrunner390 on 2014-01-11 16:45
hi fred here,i have a 57 fairlane 500 and just installed a 58 steering box,also had to change the mast jacket on the steering coloum as well I need some help on hooking up the horn-do I need a 58 steering wheel and turnsignal switch?thanks for any help-----fred
Yes the 58 wheel and turn signal are different and will have to be used if you want the horn to work with the horn ring. I used my 57 column and wheel and will just have to use some kind of remote button for the horn..
We ended up installing a manual steering box from a 1964 Ford. It came with a pitman arm and bolted right in. It was bigger than the factory 57 Ford box, but still cleared the 460. We eliminated the rag joint that was on the car (it connected a modified chrysler column to the factory 57 ford box), and now the system feels way tighter. I won't get to drive it until the weather breaks but it seems like a great modification so far.
Drives great with the 64 box. We did have to make some slight modifications to the clutch linkage to clear the larger box. It has very little play and drives great though. I'm glad I went this route rather than the expense and lack of turning radius that comes with the rack conversion.
Good choice. If you like manual steering you will be very happy with the 64 box. I put a rebuilt 63-64 Galaxy box in my Ranchero and it was very tight and drove great. I could cruise down the freeway with one hand on the wheel and the other arm on the window sill looking cool and feel in complete control. I personally didn't like the manual steering and replaced it with power rack and pinion which I love.