Red's Headers vs. Steering Box
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Senior User
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From: Enfield Connecticut
Red's Headers vs. Steering Box
I started putting my new Red's headers on my 48 F-1, but there's a bolt on the steering box that's touching it. Anyone know what this bolt is, if I can move it, or should I just try to dimple the header a little bit?
Fleet Owner
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From: NM
Are your headers made specifically for a pickup? Their headers for cars won't clear the steering box. I have their headers and they clear the box by almost an inch (that bolt is probably the cloesest thing to the headers)
Hotshot
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From: Pflugerville, tx
Sam
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From: Enfield Connecticut
Well, I ordered the headers for a 49 ford F-1....i assumed they'd be the same. They fit on fine and are all bolted down but the header just barely rubs that bolt..I don't have a pic. It I have the rear of the truck jacked up about a foot on jack stands while I put the rest of the exhaust on, but that can't be the problem...
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Durham NC
You could dimple the pipe depending on where it contacts the nut. by that I mean you need to allow for a fair amount of engine movement, 1/2" in both the up and down direction. If the pipe is over the top of the bolt, you cannot dimple the pipe enough, if it is just touching the side of the pipe then you probably could create enough clearance (1/4" or so) for the pipe to swing by the nut.
If you bought the headers new from a dealer or direct and Red's has some that fit better, then exchanging them would be the best route.
If you bought the headers new from a dealer or direct and Red's has some that fit better, then exchanging them would be the best route.
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From: NM
A pic of the bolt would help; I assume it's the adjuster, which is really like a stud that has a domed nut on it, right? There should be no clearance issue, call Red's, I think they may have sent the wrong pieces. I can take a pic of mine if you want.
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From: Enfield Connecticut
In looking at a blow up of the steering box via the shop manual, it looks like the bolt interfereing with the header is actually a clamp. I was wondering if that clamp can be loosened and rotated 180 degrees. If not I'll have to call red's.
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Brett Foote
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From: NM
I'll upload a pic of mine later, I'm having trouble with Java I thoink
Yes, you can rotate that clamp, it is what attaches the column to the box. I don't think it matters which way it faces. Mine clears the headers by 1/2", with the bolt horizontal on the bottom of the column.
Yes, you can rotate that clamp, it is what attaches the column to the box. I don't think it matters which way it faces. Mine clears the headers by 1/2", with the bolt horizontal on the bottom of the column.
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From: Enfield Connecticut
Ahh...this is good news then. Sounds like I have the correct header after all. If I rotate that clamp I should have about 1/2 inch or so of daylight between the header and the box.
Thanks Ross!
Thanks Ross!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Utah
I picked up a set of used reds headers a while back and they look similar to these on Reds website, except I think the collectors tubes on mine are longer? ( I dont have a picture of mine off hand) I'll take one and post it later
'48-'52 PU Header F1, F2, F3, F5 [3130] - $250.00 : Red's Headers, Speed Equipment For Old Fords
My question is which ones are you guys using? from the Picture Ross posted his headers dont appear to be like this style?? (edit ) maybe they do after a second look? I had to turn my monitor upside down and now they look better
NO; third look. they aren't the same, hmmmm 
I'm just starting to wonder if what I have will fit? guess it's about time to start mocking up my truck.
Julie,
when I took the box out of the 51 F3 the fluid leaked out real fast (seemed to me that 10W 30 weight would have been slower?? )
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From: NM
Josh, in my picture you see about 2" of the "extensions" Red's sells, that go from the header to the end of the trans. Here's a pic from the top. To clear the box, they tuck in at the rear of the block.
Logistics Pro
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From: Utah
Here are a couple pictures of the headers I picked up, I was told they came out of an F1 truck, so I hope they fit.
Hopefully I will have the frame back in the garage soon to start reassembly and find out.
do these look familiar to anyone??
Josh
Hopefully I will have the frame back in the garage soon to start reassembly and find out.
do these look familiar to anyone??
Josh