The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Moving Steering Box

So I have the 350 auto in my '53 frame, I have found manifolds that will work if I move the steering box out a little over an inch. I've read an inch an a half is fine though.
When you move the steering box/column over, what modifications have you done to your firewall? Pictures would be great.

Thanks

Colin

Colin,

Small Block in a '49

I moved the steering box out 1-1/4". I opened up the hole in the firewall enough to let the column move towards the drivers side.
I also heated and moved the bottom of the pitman arm back towards the frame about an inch to keep the tire from hitting the drag link. Don't heat it any more than necessary and don't let it cool quickly.

There seems to be a lot of concern that the steering wheel will be 'crooked' after you move the box out but I was driving the truck daily before the swap and drove it daily afterward and I couldn't tell any difference.

I can get you better pictures of the steering box mount and the hole in the firewall if you'd like them.

I made up a plate 3 3/4" x 8". I drilled 2 holes to match the holes on top of the frame and two 1 3/4" out so the box can bolt into the plate.I then used two thick walled pieces of pipe to use as spacers on the side of the frame with bolts that were longer.I forgot to mention I removed the bolts holding the column in under the dash. After the box was bolted ,loosely, I heated up the firewall with the torch till it was red hot on the drivers side of the hole where the column fits thru. Then I pulled on the steering wheel till it went farther than the original mounting spot. This gives the column a little clearance when you finally bolt it into it's original location . With the 1 3/4 ' move ,my inner fender doesn't hit the box and I have decent clearance to change spark plugs. Mine is a 53 1/2 ton 1300
Lothar

Perfect! Thanks for the pictures!

For now, I am using the same manifolds as you olblue. They seem to fit A.O.K.