37 steering box

Jay_G

I finished my rebuild of the 37 front end and the box is very loose. I have tightened the adjustment screw up so much to take the play out I can not get the star lock washer and the nut on to the adjusting screw at the same time. I think this tells me the box needs more than a simple adjustment. I am also concerned that there may be to much wear (if it has to be adjusted this much) to be rebuilt. So does anyone have a good spair they are willing to let go of? I am also looking for a good pitman arm as well. One with out to much wear. I was able to get one from Jay at Vintage Coach that was better but I am still looking for one with less wear. Any ideas are welcome and a good box would be great.

Jay

Geoff

Jay, what do you mean by "loose"? Have you adjusted the main housing bearings properly? There are only two adjustments, the main roller bearings, and the roller shaft screw. "Looseness" is measured by movement of the pitman arm, not movement at the wheel. there should me just perceptible movement of the pitman arm when the gear is in the straight-ahead position.

Uncle Josh

I have one from a 39 Country Club if it'll fit, and I also have some NOS roller shafts. Some of them have become separated from their PN tags so would have to have some dimensions.

email me at HETcramerlp@roadrunner.com (drop the HET)

Jay_G

Loose is where you can move the steering wheel and there is no movement in the front wheels or linkage. Also when on the freeway (or other streets) the steering wheel does not seem to be connected to the front wheels or I would term excessive play in the steering wheel before it has any effect of the front wheels. I also have a spot at the mid point where you feel play then it tightens up and the wheel becomes harder to turn (binding). I have adjusted the box so there is minimal binding and minimal play (movement of the steering wheel without corrsponding movement of the front wheels).

I agree I need to recheck the adjustment that uses shims. At this point I went with the easy adjustment with the screw almost all the way in. I had the car alinged any the shop said have the box rebuilt or adjusted. When the adjustment screw is backed out (lost of play) and you turn the steering wheel you can see the steering wheel move up and down. So to speculate I may need to adjust the shims then go to the screw.

Jay

Geoff

There is only one way to adjust the box, and that is with the drag link disconnected so you can feel the movement in the drop arm. You must first of all eliminate any play from the column bearings, (shim adjustment). You also must ensure that the steering is in the mid point, and that the drop arm is in the correct position on the splines in relation to the mid-point, that is it must be vertical in the position of least play. Then you can adjust the backlash using the side screw. If your arm is in the wrong position it won't be in the mid point, and you will never get it right.

Jay_G

I drove the car to work and it still wondered down the road. Not as bad before but not as nice as my 46 truck or the 53 Hornet. Yep, your right. Time to put it up on stands again and do it right. Uncle Josh, I will drop you a line if I I need parts, which I am sure I will.

Jay