I had a few questions from Hot Rodders, how I was installing the F1 Ford Truck steering box in a customers '33 Ford Frame, so here are a few pic's which will explain it all. Just as a note, I first determined how long the steering "box" shaft had to be and before welding the flange to the steering box, I heated the box in order to prevent cracking during welding to the box. I didn't take any pic's, however; I use a few clamps to hold the column where I wished the column to be positioned in the cab, then I tacked the flange to the box (obviously on a slight angle).... Thanks....
Very cool Candy-Man! Neat to see it all laid out and then tucked away in location. Fuxl, yes sir it's my truck. Good eye!
Are you sure there wasn't originally a felt seal or something? Can you add one? Other wise it WILL drip grease down the framerail. I have a felt seal in a '32 flange and it still seeps grease. Someday I'g going to take it apart again and bore it out for a rubber lip seal.
There is not a rubber seal, yes there is a "Felt" which you have related to, which is not much of a seal. I will be placing grease inside of the box, as there should not be "much" dripping onto the frame rail. Rope and felt seals were never much of a seal, as you have experienced....
Both of my f100s have a press in seal, but im am not as familar with the f1's http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/...-pics/Flathead_SteeringGear_1940to47truck.jpg
After cutting the F1 box, there is NO seal, only a brass bushing.... As you can see in the pic, all the pieces are layed out on the table.....
Are you positive abou that seal? A guy just put a F1 box in a model a at work and was telling me he just needs to get a seal for it to complete it. I didnt do the work so I never questioned it. The 37 ford steering box in my garage takes a seal.
There has been a seal in every single F1 box I've ever taken apart. I have rebuilt about 10 of them and done many similar modifications as you have there for installing them in early frames. Here's a link to the part... http://macsautoparts.com/ford-picku...ru-f3-8a-3591-a/camid/FPU/cp/JS0R3CHL1101117/
Ha Ha, okay I am a ass... I should ahve explained myself clearly, which I did not. I cut the seal off of the box, as there is no longer a provision for the seal, as I do not like the box protruding threw the frame. I turn the steering shaft in my lathe, cutting a small grove, allowing a rubber "O-Ring" to be placed on the shaft, to form the seal on the bushing.... I missed explaining this !! Oh well.....
That's what I plan to do. I will have to anyways, to center the wheel on the driver's side as well as clear the engine. I wonder if I could just cut the ears of the mounting surface off, grind it down until the end of the sleeve is round so I can retain the felt. Or is the felt not worth the trouble? No access to a lathe, so I can't machine in a relief for an O-ring seal.
Well it is all up to you. The box is filled with grease, so you would not lose too much oil if you did not have the seal and/or 'O' ring... Just my personal opinion, as I know others will disagree. As you mentioned, cut the mounting tabs/ears off the box and weld your mounting flange on the box. With this method, you would retain the relief for the seal..... You may have to hone the brass bearing slightly after welding on the box, before reassembly....
Here's how I do them. I trim the flange ears off with a cut off wheel, the machine the sector housing in the lathe. I then square it up on the frame and tack the new flange in place. I then take it out for finish welding. The bushings then are replaced and honed to fit the sector shaft using a sunnen pin hone. As far as lube...I don't think grease is a wise choice. It will wipe off of the worm and roller and not flow back...leading to metal to metal contact and eventually galling. If you do use grease, use an NLGI 00 semi fluid grease. That's your best bet for good lubrication but minimal leakage. That's my 3 cents. Neal Sent from my DROID device using the TJJ mobile app
Neal, That is exactly what I'm doing.. Minus the lathe part. Do you get your bearings and seals from Mac's? Posted from the TJJ App for iPhone & iPad
I live here in n.y joblot has every part You need just did mine last summer there awsome and know there stuff Sent from my DROID device using the TJJ mobile app