The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop replacement steering box? 38 chev 1/2t

howdy gents

have a 38 1/2 t truck and the original box is rusted out so looking for a replacement.

from what i understand the Lhd and Rhd boxes are the same as they are clamped in not bolted? if thats true then it makes it easier for me as i can do the same as you guys!

i don't want power steering i want to keep it basic was looking at modifying a corvair box to fit but i though id ask here first opinions and maybe someone has done the same.

thank you all for your help

jeff

Not sure if your truck are the same as ours, but the '41 through '46 trucks used a gear box with roller bearings and a slower steering ratio. This box is bolt in swap for older trucks. The newer truck steering wheel is slightly offset more, placing the wheel closer to the driver. I cut the '37 shaft and '41 shaft off each box and swapped them so I could use my nice '37 steering wheel on the '41 gear box. It required some welding but turned out great. The truck steers easier and is much nicer to drive. While swapping parts, change out the old ball and socket tie-rod and drag link ends for the newer sealed, modern type ends (up to 1959 trucks), they also help with steering.

Joe

Joe

thanks for the response joe

ive already replaced the draglink and tierod/ends so that's all new. so for the 41-46 box i thought they looked the same but was not 100% sure but they are rare to find over here a mate gave me one but it was from a ute so slightly different sadly and its in worse condition than my 38 box.

also it ends up cheaper to buy a new box as just getting the rebuild kits shipped the costs add up

thanks

The Ford Transit steering box from a MK3 ('86 -early '90s)might be worth looking at as a replacement. Hopefully some of these available in Aussie scrapyards. This box is used on a lot of "traditional" RHD hotrod builds here in the UK.

HTH, Stuart.