Steering Boxes

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paul2748
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Joined: Sun Mar 15, 2009 12:23 am
Location: Northeastern New Jersey

Steering Boxes

Post by paul2748 »

Is there any differences between a 56 steering box and a 57 steering box, especially anything that would require modifications to be used in a 56. I have a 56 and was offered a 57 box. Mine needs work.

Thanks
1956 Fiesta Red 312
1954 Ford Victoria 312
1948 Ford Convertible Street Rod 302
1957Birdman
Posts: 397
Joined: Thu Nov 20, 2014 8:58 am

Re: Steering Boxes

Post by 1957Birdman »

According to the Ford Parts Illustrated book the part number is the same B6S 3504-A. There evidently is a difference between early 56's and later 56's but I think if you change the whole unit it should not be a problem.
Lew Bachman
1957 Colonial White
Paul T. Amick
Posts: 186
Joined: Mon Apr 06, 2009 9:45 pm

Re: Steering Boxes

Post by Paul T. Amick »

Hi, Steering boxes have different steering worm gears 2 tooth and 3 tooth early and late model. The hardest part is removing the steering box. If one is given to you you don't know anything about it. So, I would say to rebuild yours. If you have the wrong steering gear your horn ring will end up being 180 out. It really get's complicated. There are instructions on You tube for rebuilding unit. The parts may be hard to find for rebuild other than seals and gaskets. FYI I may have a NOS 3 tooth worm gear. Good luck.
1957Birdman
Posts: 397
Joined: Thu Nov 20, 2014 8:58 am

Re: Steering Boxes

Post by 1957Birdman »

Paul(s),
I have some experience with this since I pulled my steering box and had it rebuilt by Lares two years ago. I think for your purposes it does not matter whether you have a 2 tooth or 3 tooth box. The reason I say this is what I found in the Ford Part book. The shaft and worm assembly for the 1956 T-Bird is listed twice. One is B5S 3524-C and is for 1955/56 T-Birds. The other is B6S 3524-B and is for 1956/57 T-Birds. When the running change was made is not listed in the book. The Steering Shaft Extension Adjusting (p/n B5S 3525-A) is the same part for all three years. The shaft extension (p/n B6S 3524-A) is the only one used for 1956/57 T-Birds. The only thing that would change in the Pitman arm, which is different for the 56/57 than the 1955. The telescoping steering column is reason for these extra parts that were not needed for the full size Ford.
Anyway, I would not tackle rebuilding the steering box. That part is so critical to the safety of the car that I was more than happy to spend the money to have it done by a professional. The best price I found was getting it done through Rockauto. They outsource the rebuild to Lares and they have a better price than going to Lares directly. Anyway, it is worth considering. They did an excellent job with mine.
Regards,
Lew Bachman, 1957 Colonial White
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paul2748
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Location: Northeastern New Jersey

Re: Steering Boxes

Post by paul2748 »

Lew and Paul -thanks for the information. My main concerns were whether the shaft extension out of the box was the same for both 56 and 57 (length/spline) and the mounting might be different. The box I am looking at is cheap and probably has to be rebuilt (professionally) so I will be spending almost the same money regardless of which box I use.

Lew - I have talked to Lares and they recommended that I go thru Rock Auto as the price was less. Seems odd.
1956 Fiesta Red 312
1954 Ford Victoria 312
1948 Ford Convertible Street Rod 302
Paul T. Amick
Posts: 186
Joined: Mon Apr 06, 2009 9:45 pm

Re: Steering Boxes

Post by Paul T. Amick »

Hi, My guess is that they would be the same. now that being said there must be vendors out there that could be sure. if they made the dimensions different other parts on the steering would be different. Again I want to mention that 55 to 56E were a 2 tooth worm gear 56L 57 were 3 tooth. that makes a diff. in the steering set 180 out (hornring upside down) I have done several box's in the past. On early 56 I put a late 56 and the horn ring was 180 out. Since it was mine I ground some splines off the shaft to accomidate steering wheel the horn ring. good luck
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