Need some info on the steering box for a 1946 Ford 1/2 ton. I am finally ready to tackle this project, however looking for some info. If I read it right the Big Green Book says it should be 21A-3548-A.
The box seems to turn OK but I would rather rebuild it. I have another box I got with the truck but the steering shaft is longer which I was told was for a passenger car.
Enough rambling, is there a good reference to use when rebuilding the box? Also are the passenger car and truck boxes the same?
The truck had tons of miles on it when I got it.

Need all the help I can get.
Thanks in advance

Also the box has a casting number of 30937 if that means anything.

 

hi ! they are not very complicated. i recalled someone making a rebuilt with pictures. when i did mine i only done bushings and seals ,but the worm gear is wore in the center . i suppose most of the driving is with wheels straight. so if i adjust my backlash a bit tight in the center wheel straight ,it binds and turns hard on left or right turns . i found a sweet spot where theres no binding and wheels straiten up after a turn. so my box was quit wore and would of needed new gears . it drives ok and for the mileage i will be doing it should be fine . i think its kinda tough to replace gears . enought rambling post a few pictures of what you have .

 

I've rebuilt a few, and if I can do it you can do it
Here is some info from Vanpelt: Flathead Steering Steering Gear Adjustments

 

Thank you for the help. Once I tear into it I guess I will see what it needs. Never know till you try.

Ed

 

Only things to watch out for, is to support the steering shaft if removing and installing the worm. The shaft will bend if not supported properly. On some boxes the upper race doesn't have an exposed edge, so there is no way to drive the race out with a punch. Running a bead of weld on the face of the race will cause it to shrink and fall out. I use J-D corn head grease in the boxes I've rebuilt and prefer it over other lubes, as it doesn't leak out like an oil would tend to do over time. Good Luck!