Technical Over-Thinking It: Re-Using Steering Box Bolts

I had the steering box (gear) on my ‘60 F-100 rebuilt. Visually, the original box-to-frame bolts appear to be in reasonable condition. However, I think it’s better to replace things while you’re in there so you don’t have to come back.

However, after looking high and low, I can’t find an exact replacement for the oem fine thread bolts (these are drilled to accept castle nut/cotter pin).

I ended up ordering high end ARP flange type fine thread bolts that are the same dimension, but full thread (not partial thread like the oem).

Am I overthinking this? Is it better to re-use the original bolts (with new nuts/pins) that were specifically engineered for this application, or is it better to replace them with higher strength stuff that is slightly different?

Thanks

 

I re-use as much original hardware as I can....always....

The exception is for hardware that is damaged/rusty/broken.

 

If the hardware is in good condition it's OK to reuse. The materials are usually better than what's commonly available today from you-know-where. ARP makes good stuff but a little spendy if just replacing for the heck of it. Know what I mean? Got a pic of the original?

 

What squirrel said. OEM bolts are much better/stronger than the off shore crap most stores sell now. Plus you already have it in stock if you took it apart. Just check out the threads and make sure they are in good shape and not bent or really rusted.

 

X2

 

If your original bolts are a bit rusty give them a 12 to 24 hour soak in some vinegar.

 

Another vote for original hardware.

 

Inasmuch as the 'side-steering' boxes (like F100 Fords) have a tendency to 'turn' opposite their pitman arm arc when turning.
The 'right bolts' had shanks unthreaded to provide a tight fit at the frame and box bores,
and fit as 'dowels'.
Most important is the physical design spec of the bolts, the nuts can be of the Nyloc type, bolt 'stretch' at proper torque setting will keep them tight.

 

Just replace with grade 5 bolts.

 

I have a couple tins in which I keep original Ford nuts and bolts worth saving in case I need them, including two sets of the original bolts and nuts for ‘32 steering box to frame bolts.

Sometimes I feel a little nutty but it makes me happy to use original stuff.

 

Ha! Or maybe some bailing wire...

 

Thanks everyone for your time. I think I am gonna clean up the original bolts and re-use them. I’ll save the ARP stuff for a rainy day because if I return it I know I am gonna need it...

 

Once again, Squirrel has showed us the right way!


Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

Re-use, over and over and over; just don't have them chromed. That leads to hydrogen embrittlement. I'm sure the original hardware even looks better also. Lead on "Professor squirrel".
And speaking of squirrel, and knowing his involvement with youth and robots; I watched a TV program about these "battling bots". I did't realize they were so big and destructive!!! DANG!!!!! I am Butch/56sedandelivery.

 

We don't do those robots....we do the boring kind that play games, and don't get on TV