Manual Steering Upgrade Options

[Fryguy302]

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!

[jumping jack flash]

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.

[Fryguy302]

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!

[RICH MUISE]

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.

[Ford Blue blood]

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.

[Fryguy302]

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.

[57 Ford Kustom]

Does anyone know what has to be done to a stock steering column to accommodate the Borgenson power steering box?
Thanks,
Tim

[Ford Blue blood]

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......

[57 Ford Kustom]

FBb, what have others done ? Tim

[Ford Blue blood]

Aftermarket, Ididit, Borgeson.....

[57 Ford Kustom]

Any particular model? I see a couple for mustangs on epay.
Tim

[Ford Blue blood]

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.

[57 Ford Kustom]

Thanks FBb, I did, it will just add $318.00 to the conversion.
Thanks,
Tim

[fordrunner390]

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

[hiball3985]

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..