Steering box
New User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3
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Steering box
I was wondering if anyone would know how the steering arm would go onto the steering box?
I have it started on the splines but it looks like there is something missing! Any help would be greatly apreciated!!!
I have it started on the splines but it looks like there is something missing! Any help would be greatly apreciated!!!
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 6,776
Likes: 553
From: Kalispell, MT
Steering box
It just snugs to a stop on the tapered-splined shaft. It needs to stay away from the frame a bit so it doesn't rub when turning. The nut/lock washer tightens to hold it in place, so you're probably not missing anything.
New User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3
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Steering box
Thanks for your info,on the steering box assembly!!
I have a half an inch between the frame and the back of the pitman arm. Do you figure that is far enough?
The spline is almost through the pitman arm,around 3/4 of an inch.
I have been ordering parts from Fred Dixon of Missisauga,Do you recomend anyone else?
I have a half an inch between the frame and the back of the pitman arm. Do you figure that is far enough?
The spline is almost through the pitman arm,around 3/4 of an inch.
I have been ordering parts from Fred Dixon of Missisauga,Do you recomend anyone else?
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 6,776
Likes: 553
From: Kalispell, MT
Steering box
That sounds about normal for distances.
Supply houses I've used and can recommend include Sacramento Vintage Ford, Bob Drake, Reds Headers, Patrick's, Obsolete Ford Parts, Mack Products, Mac's Antique Auto Parts, Hot Rod's Ford Trucks, Hot Rod & Custom Supply, etc.
I recently rebuilt the steering gearbox on my '48 F1. It made a world of difference over the 1/4 turn play I used to have
Good luck with yours,
Tim
Supply houses I've used and can recommend include Sacramento Vintage Ford, Bob Drake, Reds Headers, Patrick's, Obsolete Ford Parts, Mack Products, Mac's Antique Auto Parts, Hot Rod's Ford Trucks, Hot Rod & Custom Supply, etc.
I recently rebuilt the steering gearbox on my '48 F1. It made a world of difference over the 1/4 turn play I used to have
Good luck with yours,
Tim
New User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3
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Steering box
I have finally got my 51 Merc 1/2 ton running!!!!! 239 Flathead all stock, my question is 50 years ago these engines used leaded gasoline and now pretty hard to find unless 80/87 aviation fuel is available..what is everyone using?? A lead additive or a little 2 cycle oil or ???? Ted
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 319
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento
Steering box
I have a 1950 flathead ****** 6 cylinder that has been using "regular unleaded" for years, with no valve train problems. Ditto a pre-unleaded 289 Ford V8 with 30,000 unleaded miles. Unless the earlier Ford's have a particular problem, I doubt you will.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,119
Likes: 2
From: Southern New Hampshire
Steering box
There are several flavors of flatheads out there and Im not sure about Canadian builds.
In the US 50 was the last year for hardened seats on intake and exhaust, 51 was a mix with some exhaust only and 52-3 did away with them entirely.
My 49 286 cube block in a 53 Victoria has about 45K miles on unleaded but I regularly add about 5 ounces of Mystery Oil to the gas.
I do the same to my 54 239 OHV in the F350.
Another thing that helps with long neglected engines is to run a quart of ATF down the carb to burn off deposits.
In the US 50 was the last year for hardened seats on intake and exhaust, 51 was a mix with some exhaust only and 52-3 did away with them entirely.
My 49 286 cube block in a 53 Victoria has about 45K miles on unleaded but I regularly add about 5 ounces of Mystery Oil to the gas.
I do the same to my 54 239 OHV in the F350.
Another thing that helps with long neglected engines is to run a quart of ATF down the carb to burn off deposits.
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New User
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Gulf Coast
Steering box
I've been told by some old timers that lead did not find it's way into gasoline until the late '49 or '50 and that the 239-V8 until the '51 production year had hardened seats. Any verification of this?