power steering 46-48 Ford
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I really just need to know if I’m doing this right or not. In my 47 Ford I have the speedway adaptor plate, that bolts onto the factory mount, the P/S box is from a 70-71? Nova, and my steering column is from a 79 Econoline camper.
The issue I’m having is that the box is moved out and angled down a bit so it is right up against the opening and about 2″ down into the toe board, and there isn’t much room between the steering box and the bottom of the column so no fancy steering shafts.
I tried a rag joint it puts it at the extremes. A double U-joint is putting the end of the column and the shift arm inside the car. I’m going to try a single U-joint to get it up and over a bit.
If I’m splitting hairs and it doesn’t matter I can live with that, but if you know of a better way without having to start all over please feel free.
This is how I have it set up with a rag joint.
I was talking to someone about it last night and they suggested that the Weedetr adaptor, which bolts directly to the frame in place of the factory mount, would get it closer to how it was originally.
I know it’s a bigger box. I want this to be an easy, safer, and fun car to drive…..and if the wife ever decides to drive it I want her to feel comfortable driving it.
Mmm, girls used to drive them fine back when they were just regular cars.
But whatever, you will always have extra problems to solve with a p/s box… and its plumbing. I’ve never done it so can’t offer any how-to advice.
I agree, for me anyway, the trade off isn’t worth the hassle. The only time it might make stirring easier is in parking. Not trying to knock your decision, just my experience. I have had PS in a LaSalle. The associated complications I don’t feel justify it. And your car isn’t going to be all that heavy. A GM 525 box, or something like it would fit nicely.
If it’s what you have and are determined to make work, go for it.
MM
I got this box from a pick n pull yard for real cheap that’s why I was trying to use it. I just don’t want to get caught up in trying a thousand different things and it still not working.
Then again the price of buying a manual box will probably offset doing a P/S setup.
What kind of vehicle did the 525 come off of and do I still need an adapter?
Thanks again for helping me work though this.
Kristopher, If Iremember correctly, they were used in alot of different GM brands and models. One that comes to mind was the Pontiac Sunbird from the ’80s. I wiil see If I can get better info. But they look like a Vega box with a longer input shaft. A bit beefier. They are still very compact and more than adequate for your car. I’m sure there are similar steering boxes that would work. I have used Vega boxes and reproductions of those for most cars we have built. Even that would probably do the job.
It maybe that someone is still making the 525 style. They were pretty popular back in the day. I’m sure others here will have sugestions too.
Mitch
p.s. if you mean an adapter to bolt the box in the stock loction, I will assume you need something. I think the 525 used the same bolt pattern as the Vega. I might be wrong. It has been a long time. There are adapters on the market for Vegas to your frame I think.
Ok, did a really quick search and a bunch of suppliers came up with different options. Here is Summit Racing…
They show a number of choices, 16:1 sterring ratio, 24:1. Shaft sizes, splines, etc.
16:1 is a pretty quick steering. I know you are probably looking for used parts, But the prices on new and not worn are pretty attractive.
Funny I just swapped from p/s to manual on our 41 buick project using the 525 box. Â the camaro clip had a power box and an ugly aftermarket pump bracket.
There were 3 reasons –
1 – space for headers or exhaust since chevy engine is set back a ton.
2 – clean no frills engine – no leaks or squeaks with one less belt & no hoses.
3 – the main reason – using either a huge 41 steering wheel, or an equally huge 1938 buick steering wheel that I like much better.  The purchase or leverage a 17.5” wheel has should be perfect for a manual set up.
None of our hot rods have ever had power steering.  Our 40 ford uses a 525 with stock wheel and it steers great, although i’d like to find a faster ratio.  I bought it new from oreilly’s for a s-10, so not sure if it’s a 24 or 20-1 box.  The box for the 41 is off ebay, 16-1 and has a shortened shaft so it’ll look much cleaner, although will be a pita if i need to replace it later on.
I’ve thought about the wife aspect, and realized she’s driven our 40 one time in 18 years, never driven our 29…
TP
is this my first post after lurking all this time!?
Hi Mitch!!
Wholly Mollie, Travis is that you?!
As far as Steering box choices, this is valuable real world experience and feedback.
Glad you’re here Buddy! So, a 1941 Buick, give us a look. I’m really smitten with that year Buick.
And welcome. For those that don’t know TP, he is a very talented and creative car guy. I will let him fill in the blanks as far as what he does.
Mild Mitch
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