The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Steering gear box

I have a 36 1/2 ton and I have heard that the gear box can be swapped out for a 41-46. How much of a steering improvement will this achieve? Enough to go through with it or not really? Thanks for advice
Cheers

I've got a 37 1/2 ton and did the swap. It is much better due to the recirculating ball bearing mechanism. I think the 36 has the eccentric mechanism on the steering box, as does the 37, and is great to be rid of that item allowing the 41-46 model box to operate like a later model steering box on your truck.

I swapped mine too, I think it made a big difference. It's not power steering easy by any means, but much easier then the stock gear box. To keep the '37 steering wheel, I cut the shaft on both boxes and welded the '37 top to the '41 lower section. If you choose to keep the '41 steering wheel, you may find the wheel offset a little to deep. This placed the rim of the wheel a little closer to you gut. All in all, it's still worth the trouble.

Joe

Thank you. So I guess I would have to cut and weld the shaft for my year as well in order to use same steering wheel? No difference on a 36 high cab compared to 37 in this instance?
Cheers

Wait a minute.....is your's a high cab or a low cab? If it's a high cab, I don't think I would be comfortable telling you that this can be done. I would recommend this for a second series low cab only.

Yes its a high cab:)

Unfortunately, I cannot answer your question with certainty. I am not that familiar with the high cab 36's. The only reason I can answer some questions about the low cab 36 is because I once had one and I have a 37, which is very similar.

Maybe someone else can jump in here.