Steering boxes
- Thread starter Muddi1
- Start date
fordsbyjay
Active Member
I think the early Mustang box was also popular at one time. The biggest issue would be mounting bolt position and where you plan on putting it. As well what side is the pitman arm and does it go the right direction that you need relative to the direction you want the wheels to turn. That is the difference between a front and rear steering box. The corvair box goes under the floor vs the vega box goes at the front of the car.
Why do you want to stray from the norm or better yet, what are you thinking?
You are right about the orientation of the pitman arm. We have mounts to put the Vega under the chassis to use for traditional steering, and the we have mounts to put the Corvair on top of the chassis. The Vega can also be used for cross steer. The early Mustang box works good also.
Take a look at Speedway's catalog and they give the usual configuarations of how to set up your steering and with which box. Lots of steering boxes have been used, espesially F100 types, as wellas power boxes. The look you try to achieve with your build will dictate what parts you normally use. Good luck.
blownt
Member
What if anything is stopping a guy from using a manual steering box from a vehicle other than the "standard" Vega, Corvair, or modified boxes?
Nothing is stopping you. There many steering boxes out there besides Corvair, Vega, etc.... in a bucket Seen a few VW van boxes, a farm combine box, and others. Just get an old box and look at it and see if it might work and how you can mount it. You also have to consider how easy it is to get replacement parts.
Nothing is stopping you. There many steering boxes out there besides Corvair, Vega, etc.... in a bucket Seen a few VW van boxes, a farm combine box, and others. Just get an old box and look at it and see if it might work and how you can mount it. You also have to consider how easy it is to get replacement parts.
Thanks for all the input!!!
"Why do you want to stray from the norm or better yet, what are you thinking?"
I just had some down time and was looking at different things, the way different builds have been done, etc. I think what brought my attention to the steering box in general was a post on CL for a 1952 manual box and steering shaft for cheap. I geuss the guy went over to power steering during his restoration/customization. He has the steering box/ steering shaft, a radiator that would work for the engine I plan to use and a couple radiator core supports. I figured if I can get a good deal on all of it I might pick it up. If its something that is not going to be worth my time I would just pick up the radiator and the two core supports.
Differen T
Member
The newest straight axle steering setup is a rack and pinion and if I remember correctly it is from Flaming River.
Al
Ted Brown
Member
The only thing stopping you from using ANY steering box, is you... You can really use ANY box you want, if it works in the wrong direction, put the pitman arm on upside down to change directions, and then make up the mounting brackets as needed, simple as that... Go for anything that you can get cheap or for nothing, chances of needing parts, if it is not worn out already, your T will not wear it out in your life time... Looks is what most people have to have, what works is a totally different matter... Good luck, paper dolls are in order, (PATTERNS) 
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