The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline '46 Steering Box Mount

Sometimes my project is like a jigsaw puzzle without a picture...

I noticed that my steering box was loose enough that when I turned the wheel, you could see the box rock side-to-side. (Don't worry, my truck is not on the road yet by quite a while!)

I saw that the bolts were loose and tightening them up didn't change anything...so I got around to looking up from underneath and there seems to be an important part of the mounting system missing!

I tried to find an image or a part number in the Master Parts Catalog, but had no luck.

I remembered a part that came in a box of misc. stuff when I purchased the project and I sought it out. I had assumed that it was a bearing cap, but it seems to be the correct size and shape...and it almost fits even without trying very hard.

What is the part that fits under the steering box to hold it up against the bottom of the top flange of the frame? I assume that if the part I have is not correct, that the correct part looks similar. Can anyone find a part number or an image of what is supposed to be there?

I have attached a number of photos to assist in identifying what I have - and perhaps, what I am missing.

(I don't even know for sure that the steering box is the correct one.)

Yes - you need that part. My steering box looks like this.

John,
What is the number stamped into the casting sitting next to your steering box on the red stool?
The number on the part I have is 594460-_ _ (I am not too sure about those last two digits, but they look like an 'I' (as in India) and a '4'.)

Mine is currently installed, but does this help? I think I have the same number?

My top plug on the box housing has a small vent hole. Here are a few more pictures.

Here's a link I used to help me overhaul my steering box. It's for a 1952, but similar to what we have. LINK I didn't remove the ball bearings when I did mine.

Thanks for the pictures of your steering box. There appear to be some differences from mine, but until I get some of the crud off if it, it will be hard to tell for sure.

I believe that the first six digits of the cast mounting piece that you have are the same as on the one I found in the pile of parts that came with my project. The last two digits might be a code relating to where or when they were cast.

The link to the rebuilding info for the steering box will come in very handy when/if I need to dive into mine.

Thanks for your responses - they allow me to move forward on this portion of the effort!

When I installed a '41 steering box in my '37, the frame mount fit both boxes, so if you need any part of the mount, expand your search years back. Since they are cast parts, be sure they fit snuggly, but not so tight it might snap when tightening the bolts. Mine was worn from running loose, so I sanded the flats to close up the opening a little.

Joe

Glad you guys fingered it out and Nick can move on to another mystery.

Took a bit of digging, but the "casting# 594460" is listed in the Master Parts books under Parts Group 7.234 (7.000 = Frame Group) and not under the steering gear group - rolling eyes emoji here LOL!

Below is a screenshot from an original 1929-47 Chevy Master Parts Book with the details. Same basic casting ID# = same part#.

Thought I would share as it may help some other Bolter in the future.

I recall seeing a YouTube video showing the rebuilding of little later model but nearly the same steering box. That will also help?

Great input, all!

I often think about where I'd be if I had not had Stovebolt.com as a resource...!

Dan, does no one make a digitally searchable Master Parts Catalog? I had searched on the web for the part number and came up with nothing.

Again, thanks to all for your help!

Nick - Here’s one of my “Go-To” resources when it comes to parts info searching on the web.

GM Partswiki

It’s a searchable database that has numerous (but no where near all) GM Master Parts Books.

When I have a casting# to start with, I just enter that in the “Query String” box and click search.

The results, if found in any of the database sources, will display with a thumbnail of the parts book/books, along with a thumbnail of the page in the book(s) that you can click. The page will display full size so you can locate the item searched.

You can also do searches, using the GM Part#, name of the part, parts group number and even refine by the GM brand, type of vehicle and year using the lower drop down lists.

It takes a bit to sometimes hit on the correct part description, but as you try different things, you’ll learn what gives the best search results.

I can offer more tips and tricks later, when I’m not trying to type on my little phone screen.

I've used the GM Partswiki fairly often, and recently discovered that once you're viewing a page, you can scroll backwards and forwards to the adjoining pages. There are links near the bottom of the page data (prev and next).

A pretty handy tool.

Dan, I just followed your link to the GM Parts Wiki and was able to find the page you found!

It is kind of like magic! I am sure that some practice is required to maximize the returns, but I know that it will help me going forward!

Nick - Great to hear you’ve added a new tool (metaphorical of course - lol) to your Stovebolt Toolbox.

The search tool is often very helpful, but has some idiosyncrasies that you will learn as you use it.

One thing I’ve found is if you select a specific year in search parameters, for example 1957 for a GMC light truck, the search results come back with nothing found. But - if you use all the same parameters, except change the specific year to 1963, now you get searchable results as there is a 1963 dated GMC Master Parts Book in the data base, which also covers GMC model years back to 1955.

Happy hunting!