Hi,
Was just in the process of putting headers onto my 56. The drivers side header interferes with the steering box. The motor is a 302 / stock suspention.
The steering box if for a 1977 LTD. Is there a replacement box that is smaller? If anyone has this type of set up, can you post some pics.
Thanks....
Len

 

Hi Len,

Yep most people don't think about the steering box being a problem with exhaust. But I got caught there with a stock 51 box and my 390. There's a cure - for me it was $1700 worth of over-the-frame custom made headers....YIKES!

There are TONS of threads on TOYOTA steering box installations and most folks seem to be pretty enthused with those.

I'd use the advanced search function and put "Toyota Steering" (in the quotes) in the "search for" box and then get ready to read!

 

What front suspension do you have? Since you say you have a 77 LTD box I assume it is not the stock beam axle? LTD boxes are not a very common install, never heard of one being used with the beam axle.
How about some pictures of how this was accomplished.

 

A 1977 LTD would have Ford integral P/S.

Similar gearboxes were used in 1965/79 Passenger Cars (without power assist or hydroboost). Mid-year 1969 thru 1996 F100/350 2WD's, 1978/96 F150/350 4WD's, 1980/2002 LTD/Crown Vic/Mercury Grand Marquis/Lincoln Town Car.

The same two P/S gearbox seal kits (input & sector shaft) were used in all of them.

LSJUNIPER: Since the Ford P/S gearbox is essentially the same for all these vehicles, I doubt you will find anything smaller.

btw: My MIL (nee Greenwood) is from Mooseup, many family members still live there. One has a 1954 Mack.

 

OK, but I have a hard time figuring out how a box for a cross steering IFS was used with a beam axle. Turning the box on it's side and connecting it to the drag link won't work it would turn the wrong way. Making a custom tierod or pass side steering arm to make it cross steer opens up a whole other can of worms, including the header issue. This is definitely not a mainstream swap so finding anyone else with this setup is going to be pretty unlikely IMHO.

 

..................1977 LTD sub-frame transplant? Shouild be room?

 

Yikes is right!!!!

 

Axracer, it does have the stock beam axle. I will post some pics a.s.a.p.