My steering wheel moves about ten degrees before the output shaft starts to move on my 48 F1. I was going to pull it and rebuild it until i looked at the prices for the parts. Just the two shafts are $460 not including any bearings, gaskets or freight.
Does anyone sell a gearbox already rebuilt for less than that? Has anybody had any good or bad experiences with them?
Is there any one component that wears out in the stock gearboxes? Maybe I wouldn't need to buy both shafts?

 

So, the issue is the gearbox and not the drag link? Tightening up the drag link cups might help - and be considerably less expensive.

DW

 

I rebuilt my own with a kit from (Early Ford Store of CA) not meant as a plug for them .
Pretty easy , just had to drill out pin for sector gear and weld ends of new pin . Had to warm up other gear to press off and on to steering shaft .

 

The sector shaft itself isn't really a wear item; it's the worm gear and sector ball that get eaten up, as well as bearings. As far as I know, replacing the ball is all that's needed on the sector shaft. If you bugger the splines or threads on the sector shaft getting the pitman arm off, well...

The only reason for buying the whole worm gear/steering shaft combination is that the worm is shrunk on very tightly to its shaft. Replacement of just the worm is not for the feint of heart. (edit: looks like Allan did it, check his threads)

If you do an Advanced Search on this forum, there are several good threads about it.

 

You may be surprised if you fill the box with oil and try adjusting the sector shaft. That is the adjustment on the side. There is a high spot in the center of the steering position and you make the adjustment at the high point.

 

You can get them rebuilt but its pricey. Below is a link to Sacramento Vintage Ford, just one of many who sell (exchange) them. I rebuilt mine and with research had no problems, I only needed the worm gear/shaft , bushings gaskets,ect, but not sector gear. Good luck. http://www.vintageford.com/part_sear...7174&Category=

 

Fortunately no one told me it was a hard task or I might not have tackled it . But seriously folks It is very similar to a highway tractor or a lot of heavy equipment steering boxes . Once upon a time thats what I did for a living .

 

Allan,
I'm going to give that a try. Ive got torches and a twenty ton press. I hate loose steering. I plan on changing the gears in the rear end. There's no sense in doing that until i can steer it.
Can I PM you for advice if i need it?
Bill.