65' Steering box

[88GThatchback]

I'm helping my friend with his 65' convertible. It has been sitting for a few years because of a problem with the steering. It has manual steering. The steering wheel has about 1/8th of a turn of play before it actually starts turning the wheels. I tried adjusting the screw in the top of the box but that didn't seem to help, just made it harder to turn. It also squeaks once you get past the play and start to turn the wheels. The squeak sound comes straight up the steering column to the steering wheel. Almost like it needs grease in the box. What could be causing these problems? Does it just need a simple rebuild or is a new steering box in order? How hard is it to get the box out on the 65'? It seems like the steering column and box are one piece. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

[D.Hearne]

You're right, the steering is all one piece. Just imagine that steel shaft pointing at your chest & head, in a head on collision. As long as he needs a new box, look into converting it to a collapsible column too. Ford used the 1 pc steering box til mid 67, then switched to a 2 pc with a rag joint just above the box.

 

[Tim65GT]

D.Hearne
You're right, the steering is all one piece. Just imagine that steel shaft pointing at your chest & head, in a head on collision. As long as he needs a new box, look into converting it to a collapsible column too. Ford used the 1 pc steering box til mid 67, then switched to a 2 pc with a rag joint just above the box.

I just did this conversion. It's a lot of work and modification in the cramped area under the dash. You will also have to change out the signal light switch and do some wiring. I had the engine out and couldn't imagine trying to do it with the engine still in there.

The long shaft type can get rebuilt. It can be removed by lifting the engine a couple inches. I would suggest doing a search and call or email a couple places to see what they say.

 

[88GThatchback]

I understand what you guys are saying about the safety of the stock column but is there something a little less drastic that we could do just to get this car back on the road? Has anyone rebuilt one of these steering boxes before? Any sites you guys could direct me to?

Thanks,
Clay

 

[D.Hearne]

There are several vendors that sell rebuilt units. Mustang Parts of Oklahoma was one, I'm sure there are more.

 

[BarnStang]

I think what they are sayingi s that if you want to rebuild the one you have, you have to remove it from the car. If you are going to do that, it's a pretty involved project i.e motor needs to be raised off the motor mount. So you could swap the steering gear and the column. Or just order a replacement stock rebuilt unit and put it back in, or send the old one off and have it rebuilt and wait for it to come back, and reinstall it. Either way, if the steering gear is toast, and it sounds like it is, it has to come out.

 

[BarnStang]

In case you change your mind..
http://www.mustangandfords.com/howto/30247_collapsible_steering_column/photo_02.html

 

[elaudtr]

Steering Box

If you want to keep your stock steering, this is a resourceful website:

http://www.stangerssite.com/

To lubricate the steering box:

http://www.stangerssite.com/lubrication.html

If you already moved the adjustment nut, you may have bigger issues. Good Luck.