Hi gents,

I'm rebuilding a steering box for my '59 F100. How do I get the two brass sector shaft bushings installed without wrecking them? Putting them on the sector shaft, then inserting the shaft into the box housing just bends them, even with the box heated. Putting them inside the box first doesn't work, as the splines on the sector shaft just push them out when the shaft is installed.

What am I doing wrong? Is it a job for a shop, or are there special tools? Or am I missing something obvious?

Here's a pic of the sector shaft so you know the part I'm talking about:



Thanks for any guidance you can give.

- Jay

 

Hi Jay,
I've never done one of these myself, so I don't know if this will actually help.

STERING GEAR ASSEMBLY

1.) If a sector shaft needle bearing is used, install the bearing assembly in the sector shaft cover with tool T54L-6266-A.

2.) Install the sector shaft and adjusting screw in the cover, and install the lock nut loose.

3.) Install new sector shaft bushings in the steering gear housing with tool T57T-3576-A.

4.) install the worm shaft upper bearing cup in the housing with tool T57L-4616-A2.

5.) Position the worm shaft upper bearing on the worm, then install the worm shaft into the housing.

6.) Install the worm shaft lower bearing and cup.

7.)Install the housing end plate using the same thickness of gaskets as was removed.

8.) On F-, B-, or T-Series, Temporarily install the steering wheel and check the worm bearing preload with a spring scale.
Worm bearing pre-load (Pull to keep wheel moving - Lbs.) for F-100 & F-250 is 1/4 - 3/4.

9.) Install the steering shaft upper seal with tool T54L-6015-A.

10.) Install the sector shaft and cover assembly in the housing using a new gasket. Install the sector shaft seal with tool 77837. Lubricate the worm gear.

11.) With steering wheel temporarily installed, locate the high point and adjust and check the worm mesh.

12.) Remove the filler plug and fill the housing with specified lubricant.

Sorry, I don't know what these tools are that they refer to. I hope this helps anyway.

 

hi jay, i'm with kenny on this, my book tells me the same, having said that, if u have measured the new bushings and they are correct u may need to try heating the box/bush's while at the same time freezing the sector shaft ( wipe the excess ice of first, or wrap it in plastic before freezing) c how u go....cya...gary

 

If it's anything like my F1 steering box, I had a shop press them in and they burnished the bushings to fit exactly to the sector shaft. It's a good tight fit, but I could easily tap it in without dislodging the bushings.

Scott

 

So what's happening with this steering rebuild? Did you get your sector shaft in? Does your sector gear turn freely 360deg., or does it only turn part way? I don't know if mine is stuck or not!

 

I haven't had a chance to get back to the steering box yet, but as soon as I get a chance my plan is to head over to a friend's machine shop and have him measure the bushings and resize them as necessary to fit. I'll let you gents know how it turns out.

- Jay