Steering Box

[Ben Quesinberry]

I'm looking for a rebuilt steering box for my 1965 Econoline. Mac's has two listed for my year and I need help picking the right one.

The first is listed as a Steering Gearbox for Manual Steering (part #350486572) for a 1965-1972 and it goes for $265.95.

The second is listed as a Steering Gearbox remanufactured Econoline (part # C3UZ-3504-RR) for a 1961-1967 and it goes for $490,95.

My fear is that the later is the one I need but I have manual steering so which is it? Any help would be greatly appreciated.


On a side note: I just picked up the van two weeks ago from a guy in Arizona. It's got a 300ci and a 9" rearend.

[NumberDummy]

Originally Posted by Ben Quesinberry

I'm looking for a rebuilt steering box for my 1965 Econoline. Mac's has two listed for my year and I need help picking the right one.

The first is listed as a Steering Gearbox for Manual Steering (part #350486572) for a 1965-1972 and it goes for $265.95.

The second is listed as a Steering Gearbox remanufactured Econoline (part # C3UZ-3504-RR) for a 1961-1967 and it goes for $490,95.

My fear is that the later is the one I need but I have manual steering so which is it? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Welcome to FTE

You didn't say what's wrong with the gearbox.

Is there play in the wheel? Is the gearbox leaking?

A gearbox that fits 1961/67 Econoline will not work on a 1969 and later Econoline....two completely different vehicles (there no 1968 model).

The usual issues with these simple manual gearboxes is the sector bushing and the two steering shaft bearings and races wear out.

There's also a sector shaft seal and housing gasket where leaks can develop.

Once these parts are replaced, and the gearbox is re-adjusted, the play in the wheel is gone.

These parts are available from NAPA for less than $100.00.

The seal, gasket and the two steering shaft bearings and races are the same as 1960/72 Falcon/Fairlane/Torino/Mustang (with or w/o P/S...makes no difference).
The sector bushing (there's only one) is the same as some F100's and 1960/64 Galaxies.

The following Ford parts numbers can be crossed over by NAPA to the brand they sell.

2-C2AZ-3552-A .. Steering Shaft Races

2-C2AZ-3571-A .. Steering Shaft Bearings

1-B8A-3576-A .. Sector Shaft Bushing

1-C3DZ-3581-A.. Steering Gear Gasket

1-C70Z-3591-A .. Steering Gear Seal

[Ben Quesinberry]

Thanks so much for the in depth response.

There's a lot of play in the steering. I figured I would just have the whole thing rebuilt or buy a rebuilt box to save the hassle. However, if this is the cheapest way to do it, and do it right, I will go that route.

Does anyone have any experience with the gearboxes from prosteering.com? They have theirs for $199 plus a $100 core charge.

http://www.prosteering.com/m_ford_truck.htm

[2vans_man]

Originally Posted by NumberDummy

Welcome to FTE

You didn't say what's wrong with the gearbox.

Is there play in the wheel? Is the gearbox leaking?
[/size][/font]
A gearbox that fits 1961/67 Econoline will not work on a 1969 and later Econoline....two completely different vehicles (there no 1968 model).

The usual issues with these simple manual gearboxes is the sector bushing and the two steering shaft bearings and races wear out.

There's also a sector shaft seal and housing gasket where leaks can develop.

Once these parts are replaced, and the gearbox is re-adjusted, the play in the wheel is gone.

These parts are available from NAPA for less than $100.00.

The seal, gasket and the two steering shaft bearings and races are the same as 1960/72 Falcon/Fairlane/Torino/Mustang (with or w/o P/S...makes no difference).
The sector bushing (there's only one) is the same as some F100's and 1960/64 Galaxies.

The following Ford parts numbers can be crossed over by NAPA to the brand they sell.

2-C2AZ-3552-A .. Steering Shaft Races

2-C2AZ-3571-A .. Steering Shaft Bearings

1-B8A-3576-A .. Sector Shaft Bushing

1-C3DZ-3581-A.. Steering Gear Gasket

1-C70Z-3591-A .. Steering Gear Seal

Thats some good info!! anybody have an exploded view of the steering box or procedure instructions for doing this rebuild, is it fairly easy? my 67 needs it bad!!