The Ford Barn

Thomas Sargent · 05-07-2026, 10:27 AM

My 40 four door steering is sloppy. Driving down the road I need to work the wheel more than I would like. I had a mechanic try to make an adjustment on the top of the steering box but he was unable to get a full notch. Balance of steering gear is in good condition so I feel the problem is in the box. What are my options? Is there a rebuild service for this? How big of a deal is removing the gearbox and long shaft? Thanks in advance.

hueyhoolihan · 05-07-2026, 11:04 AM

my only information is via the internet and a local hot rod expert from the 60's that said the boxes can be adjusted but only so far. and if too far the steering will get too tight, and at which point it needs to be replaced with a used one in better condition.

now i suppose that there are aftermarket rack and pinion setups or equivalents that would fix things but would involve some modifications and more work.

IME, i'm still trying to decide if i'm a victim of steering box/tierod/steering arm/king pin/ball joint wear or if the manual steering on a '41 with its enormous steering wheel just involves a lot more movement than that to which i am accustomed. ...i'm sure i've got suspension issues too!

rich b · 05-07-2026, 11:51 AM

We put a rebuilt unit from Lares Corp. in a '40 after determining the original box was beyond adjusting.

Not too bad of a job; just be sure to get the front up high enough.

glennpm · 05-07-2026, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thomas Sargent

I had a mechanic try to make an adjustment on the top of the steering box but he was unable to get a full notch. Balance of steering gear is in good condition so I feel the problem is in the box. What are my options?

Suggest you look through and adjust with the attached instructions. There is more to it than your mechanic may be familiar with.

Seth Swoboda · 05-07-2026, 12:23 PM

I agree with Glennpm. Follow the instructions he has provided.

Kurt in NJ · 05-07-2026, 12:45 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

If the roller on the sector has side to side play— even just a little you won’t be able to get the play reduced— same goes for worn bushings
also the worm shaft bearings cannot have play

alchemy · 05-08-2026, 03:18 PM

Haaanngg on sloopy, sloopy hang on!

05-07-2026, 10:27 AM	#1
Thomas Sargent Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Erie Pa Posts: 71	slooppy steering My 40 four door steering is sloppy. Driving down the road I need to work the wheel more than I would like. I had a mechanic try to make an adjustment on the top of the steering box but he was unable to get a full notch. Balance of steering gear is in good condition so I feel the problem is in the box. What are my options? Is there a rebuild service for this? How big of a deal is removing the gearbox and long shaft? Thanks in advance.

05-07-2026, 11:04 AM	#2
hueyhoolihan Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2024 Location: central coast california Posts: 593	Re: slooppy steering my only information is via the internet and a local hot rod expert from the 60's that said the boxes can be adjusted but only so far. and if too far the steering will get too tight, and at which point it needs to be replaced with a used one in better condition. now i suppose that there are aftermarket rack and pinion setups or equivalents that would fix things but would involve some modifications and more work. IME, i'm still trying to decide if i'm a victim of steering box/tierod/steering arm/king pin/ball joint wear or if the manual steering on a '41 with its enormous steering wheel just involves a lot more movement than that to which i am accustomed. ...i'm sure i've got suspension issues too!

05-07-2026, 11:51 AM	#3
rich b Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,156	Re: slooppy steering We put a rebuilt unit from Lares Corp. in a '40 after determining the original box was beyond adjusting. Not too bad of a job; just be sure to get the front up high enough.

05-07-2026, 12:23 PM	#5
Seth Swoboda Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern Illinois Posts: 4,213	Re: slooppy steering I agree with Glennpm. Follow the instructions he has provided.

05-07-2026, 12:45 PM	#6
Kurt in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: on the Littlefield Posts: 6,672	Re: slooppy steering Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) If the roller on the sector has side to side play— even just a little you won’t be able to get the play reduced— same goes for worn bushings also the worm shaft bearings cannot have play

05-08-2026, 03:18 PM	#7
alchemy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: middle of Iowa Posts: 1,001	Re: slooppy steering Haaanngg on sloopy, sloopy hang on!