Steering box options for spear-o-matic removal

[jabb]

I'm swapping out the long shaft, manual, quick ratio smb-b steering box in my early 67 stang for a short shaft compatible with the 68 collapsible column. Problem is I haven't been able to find the smb-c box that has a short shaft, 1" sector, and 16:1 ratio.

My options are to get an smb-k box/worm gear and have my box rebuilt as a smb-c, or change out the steering linkage to accommodate a 1.125" sector box. Reading stangerssite it appears all I'd need for this is a late 67 pitman arm made for the larger sector shaft.

Which approach seems better? I've heard anecdotal claims that the 1.125" sector shaft was introduced due to breakage of the earlier 1" units. Is that really an issue for a manual steering setup?

Thanks.

 

[rbohm]

i havent had any issues with the stock 1" sector shaft on either of my early fords. i would rebuild the box you have now with the proper worm gear at best, or cut the stock shaft and have borgeson build a U joint for you with the stock 68 splines on one side, and a double D on the other. then have a machine shop grind the double D on the old worm gear shaft.