OK, I give up ...

I have seen 57's with later SAGINAW steering boxes (BENDIX linkage steer).

What is the reason(s) - advantage(s)?

I missed this upgrade along the way.

The gear types is different. Apparently easier to find rebuild parts.
For the later 63 and up you get the rag joint for Collapsing column if you get the right year.

Is the ratio different (I don't have a 64 WSM)?

Do you have any info on the GRANADA SWAP whereas there is a collapse-able column and improved ratio?

I put the 63/64 Galaxie box in the Ranchero.  Much easier effort, bolt-in, even the pitman arm and rebuilt units readily available.  I have to admit I like the Borgeson unit.  Physically smaller (just a tiny bit), their kits are well engineered, are for all practical purposes bolt-in.  I have installed three of them for friends over the years.  Only drawback is the "ham can" pump.

Quote from: Ford Blue blood on 2026-09-07 06:58I put the 63/64 Galaxie box in the Ranchero.  Much easier effort, bolt-in, even the pitman arm and rebuilt units readily available.  I have to admit I like the Borgeson unit.  Physically smaller (just a tiny bit), their kits are well engineered, are for all practical purposes bolt-in.  I have installed three of them for friends over the years.  Only drawback is the "ham can" pump.

Are you describing the actual 1963/64 SAGINAW steering box retrofit or the BORGESON integral power steering box upgrade?

This is the Borgeson box I am familiar with and have installed, two mid size Fairlanes and a 60 Ford wagon.

I'm sorry ...

I have caused confusion (as usual) ...

I have seen some 57's with the later 1961/1964 BENDIX LINKAGE PS STR BOX (SAGINAW) being used (with I assume was the regional 57 PS steering linkage), not the integral PS box upgrade.

I thought if someone had done this or seen it I could get some info on it.

Quote from: Ford Blue blood on 2026-09-07 06:58I put the 63/64 Galaxie box in the Ranchero.  Much easier effort, bolt-in, even the pitman arm and rebuilt units readily available.  I have to admit I like the Borgeson unit.  Physically smaller (just a tiny bit), their kits are well engineered, are for all practical purposes bolt-in.  I have installed three of them for friends over the years.  Only drawback is the "ham can" pump.

I have heard those boxes are close, but not exact.  I have heard you need a fender washer under one of the mounting bosses on the box in order for it to fit snug against the frame.   Any truth to this?

What do you need to do to the column when installing the Borgeson box?

I put '64 Galaxie PS box, pitman arm, drag link, idler arm, cylinder, cylinder to frame bracket, valve body and column in my '57 Ranch Wagon with original MS.  No problems.  Works great.

Quote from: gasman826 on 2026-09-08 18:13I put '64 Galaxie PS box, pitman arm, drag link, idler arm, cylinder, cylinder to frame bracket, valve body and column in my '57 Ranch Wagon with original MS.  No problems.  Works great.

THANX! for that ...

What was your reason? Is the ratio quicker in the later box?

'64 box is better design than the '57.  Same gear ratio.  Better condition due to being a PS box.  Slightly smaller.  I wanted PS and I found a '64 donor car.  I also wanted the new column for the three forward gear selections because I upgraded to an AOD.  '64 parts are much, much easier to find than '57.  I got a new repop steering wheel, NOS horn ring, new repop turn signal switch and cancel, and new rag joint.  The steering valve was much easier to get rebuilt.

THANX! for that.

Great explanation.

Quote from: Gene on 2026-09-08 16:48What do you need to do to the column when installing the Borgeson box?

My understanding is having to cut the steering shaft (adding steering flange/coupler) and the column tube to make room for the box.

You can keep the column mount AT shift linkage but not enough space is left for a standard shift.

I installed a Borgeson several years ago. I wanted a rag joint so I had to cut the existing steering box plate for clearance and built a box to replace it. It has worked well and is not obvious under the carpet. I had heard that the coupler transmitted vibrations and sound. I am VERY pleased with mine, the steering ratio is close to 3:1 and it transformed the car. I already had a floor shift so that was no problem in my case

On the mid sized Fairlanes the rag joint upper half comes even with the floor pan.  A small box needs to be fabricated to clear the rag joint and seal the column.  Both Fairlanes were floor shifted autos so no work there.  The 60 was close to "bolt-in" with respect to the rag joint and column.  Used a 64 column with almost zero fab work required.