ConcoursMustang Forums

Restoring - General discussions that span across many different groups of years and models => Suspension => Topic started by: fastback66 on September 21, 2010, 12:18:40 PM

Title: Rebuild and refinsh Steering box
Post by: fastback66 on September 21, 2010, 12:18:40 PM
Here are the pics of my 4 turn steering box out of a 66. I am looking to redo the it inside and out. Does anyone on here hae some tips on this? Do they sell a kit to rebuild this it some slop to it. How big of job is this for someone that haas never taken one apart?

As for finish is it phosphated or just bare steel on the housing? The pitman arm finish? If there are any threads out there on how to do this let me know.

66Fastback
Title: Re: Rebuild and refinsh Steering box
Post by: carlite65 on September 21, 2010, 12:24:53 PM
this link may help.....

http://www.stangerssite.com/CanISteeringBox.html
Title: Re: Rebuild and refinsh Steering box
Post by: CharlesTurner on September 21, 2010, 02:08:15 PM
Some detailing pics:

http://65kresto.blogspot.com/2009/10/10309.html
Title: Re: Rebuild and refinsh Steering box
Post by: fastback66 on September 21, 2010, 02:45:12 PM
caspian, where did you get your rebuild kit? How bad was that to do?
Title: Re: Rebuild and refinish Steering box
Post by: e093116 on September 21, 2010, 05:08:58 PM
I rebuilt my steering box with the kit from StangersSite.com.  I thought the rebuild parts were good quality, the instructions were great, and it was an easy job.  I refinished similar to what Charles describes, although I chose not to do the blackout.

You should have a press and 0-30 in-lb torque wrench at your disposal for the rebuild job.

The best advice in the instructions was prior to disassembly, see if you can adjust the box to spec.  If so, then you have a good candidate for rebuild.  From memory, I think the spec for input shaft rotational torque was 5 in-lb at the ends and 10 in-lb in the center, but you should verify in your shop manual.

There is also some good stuff in the instructions with the stangerssite kit regarding inspection of the various components.  Pay close attention to the condition of the sector shaft, rack block, and input shaft worm gear race.

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



Title: Re: Rebuild and refinsh Steering box
Post by: fastback66 on September 22, 2010, 02:36:06 PM
Thanks I think I will give it a shot! I will call and get this kit ordered! :D
Title: Re: Rebuild and refinsh Steering box
Post by: fastback66 on October 12, 2010, 03:51:44 PM
ok so i have the steering box apart and it looks really nice inside on all the gears! So my question is what finish is supposed to be on these parts? I know the gear box itself is cast iron, and the cover plate is supposed to be a shinny plate. it looks like the bolts holding the cover were black. Here is the pic of all the pieces!
Title: Re: Rebuild and refinsh Steering box
Post by: fastback66 on October 12, 2010, 03:53:33 PM
if anyone has any pictures of one done that would be great also!
Title: Re: Rebuild and refinsh Steering box
Post by: CharlesTurner on October 12, 2010, 05:28:53 PM
if anyone has any pictures of one done that would be great also!

My link above provides close-up pics of all finishes, before I blacked out the top.
Title: Re: Rebuild and refinsh Steering box
Post by: fastback66 on October 12, 2010, 06:34:21 PM
On the cast parts did you just glass bead them like the lock washer? On the short shaft what is the best way to clean up the end of that where it is rusty and crusty should I use the wire wheel? on the top plate that is the shinny steel i tried the wire wheel to the bottom side and it cleaned it up nicely except for it leaves the finish uneven. I am not sure you would ever notice that on the car though!
Title: Re: Rebuild and refinsh Steering box
Post by: CharlesTurner on October 12, 2010, 08:47:25 PM
I lightly glass-bead parts and then use different techniques to obtain the desired appearance.  Tumbling and rubbing with steel wool are some of these.  Would recommend against using a wire wheel to clean parts.
Title: Re: Rebuild and refinsh Steering box
Post by: fastback66 on October 13, 2010, 05:41:14 PM
I was going to head out to harbor freight and buy a tumbler what media are you using to get good results? I have to get a cheap one since I am on a limited budget!
Title: Re: Rebuild and refinsh Steering box
Post by: J_Speegle on October 14, 2010, 02:21:38 AM
I was going to head out to harbor freight and buy a tumbler what media are you using to get good results? I have to get a cheap one since I am on a limited budget!

Not sure if Harbor freight carries one big enough or one that will handle the weight of a steering box case.

Believe Charles and others are using ceramic rods for this
Title: Re: Rebuild and refinsh Steering box
Post by: CharlesTurner on October 14, 2010, 09:47:47 AM
Yes, we're using angle cut ceramic and a 3 cubic ft. tumbler.  On a steering box, though, the only thing that would need to be tumbled is the top plate, which could be accomplished with a smaller tumbling unit.
Title: Re: Rebuild and refinsh Steering box
Post by: fastback66 on October 15, 2010, 01:21:11 PM
Which finish do you think looks closer in you opinion? one is eastwoods brake grey and the other is the zinc phosphate by eastwood.
Title: Re: Rebuild and refinsh Steering box
Post by: fastback66 on October 15, 2010, 01:56:43 PM
here is a easier picture to look at shrunk down.
Title: Re: Rebuild and refinsh Steering box
Post by: J_Speegle on October 18, 2010, 01:56:28 PM
here is a easier picture to look at shrunk down.

The steering or pittman arm should not be be the same tone or tint as the steering box. They were handled differently and that effected the final finish. Remember you will have to return the machined surfaces so each will have at least two different looks (final finishes) when done
Title: Re: Rebuild and refinsh Steering box
Post by: J_Speegle on February 23, 2019, 08:05:27 PM
Been a while since this thread was visited.

Who have people been using to rebuild their steering boxes, rather than doing it themselves, recently with success?

Title: Re: Rebuild and refinsh Steering box
Post by: Bob Gaines on February 24, 2019, 03:47:23 AM
Been a while since this thread was visited.

Who have people been using to rebuild their steering boxes, rather than doing it themselves, recently with success?
Shelby Parts and Restorations . Your ole friend Jimmy C.
Title: Re: Rebuild and refinsh Steering box
Post by: scottwo on February 24, 2019, 08:15:42 AM
Is StrangersSites.com still in business? Website is up but hasn't been updated since 2008.
Title: Re: Rebuild and refinsh Steering box
Post by: Bossbill on February 24, 2019, 02:05:40 PM
I don't think you want us to visit the website you posted.

Try the correct spelling:
http://www.stangerssite.com/