57 vs 58 steering box

[4banger]

Anyone know the difference between the 57 and the 58 standard steering box ? Is the 58 a direct bolt in the 57 ?  I don't know why they would be different. Looking for some good answers. 

[bagboy]

58 is abetter box.57 has hollow shaft ,so,different t/s are used.Iv'e got a rack-love it

[57 Ford Kustom]

   A 58 box is smaller and a better design. to replace a 57 box you must also use the 58 column and steering wheel , there are major differences in the horn parts.


TOM   

[4banger]

Thanks for the advice. Now I need to find a good one with the pitman arm. Want to put a set of cast iron 406 shorty headers on and I need the room. I dont know how much they will touch with the 57 box. Maybe a little grinding here and there.

[57 Ford Kustom]

4Banger
  58-9 boxes are the same, pitman arm has a different part # for manul and power steering.

TOM   

[4banger]

Thanks alot, Tom

[KidKourier]

4Banger,  '57 steering box is a worm and sector box while the '58 is a reciprecating ball which is a better box (compare service manuels) and is smaller by 1/2" or more giving you more clearance for the cast iron header but you have to run exterior horn wire,57 is hollow center while 58 is solid steering column.Anybody else want to explain this,I think I got it right?  Kid

[4banger]

Thanks Kid Kourer, It also looks like the column can be removed with the box attached,through the passenger compartment. Just remove the plate on the fire wall that goes around the column. Does this sound right ?

[JPotter57]

you both are right on the money...`58 box much better steering feel, plus better, easier in tight turns, etc..You wont regret it.  Easy swap, just take it all out as a unit...

[4banger]

OK Guys, find me a 58 or 59 manual box / steering column with the pitman arm. Thank you all for the input!!!!!

[ECODE70D57FORD]

It also seems like the 58 box inner shaft is about 1 inch shorter than the 57. 

[jwtdvm]

for what it is worth a 1958 thru 1964 box will fit a 57--mine has a 62 box and steering column--back in the day I guess it was cheaper to run get a lower mileage set up out of the junk yard instaed of a new box when the 57 box wore out. A 58 column should bolt right up to any of those boxes.

[57 Ford Kustom]

I have a 64 box that am going to put in next spring with a 66 T Bird tilt wheel, if my health allows.



TOM 

[JPotter57]

Just put a `63 box in mine...fits like it was made for it.....

[bagboy]

I got my 59 setup from a place in van, wash also Goldendale wash.  PM me