The Ford Barn

KULTULZ · 03-20-2021, 02:24 AM

1955/1957 BIRD Info-

Referring URL - https://ctcc9.blogspot.com/2008/05/s...brication.html

GM used a grease whereas FORD used oil (to 1957). It seems the grease GM used turned out to be caustic and formulation changed for their 57 model run. Possibly FORD recognized the GM problem and developed their own spec grease for the 1958 model run (recirculating ball type)?

Possibly also, FORD went to a grease (58) as a result of failure to retain oil in the box? The type of grease specified was not chassis grease, but a grease that would coat and stay with the internal components.

There is most likely a SERVICE LETTER of that period covering this situation.

FORD stayed with that grease (type) until box production end (1979?).

After reading so many pages/sources, I am inclined to believe the earlier oil filled units should use grease, properly sealed of course.

KULTULZ · 01-30-2024, 08:53 AM

- JUST A QUICK NOTE HERE -

The box design was changed in 1958 (FORD) going to a recirculating ball type. This required a grease as to not have the oil separate from the ball design as with the previously used gear oil.

This design went until the 1979 model year when the SAGINAW BOX was dropped. An INTEGRAL PS STYLE BOX (1965/ FORD) used PS FLUID to operate and lubricate it.

PLEASE READ the updated LUBE REQUIREMENTS (above) (lithium grease) for the early boxes that originally called for gear oil.

MERC-EDSEL-LINC applications are differing so make sure you have the correct TECH REPAIR INFO for your particular model year/car.

KULTULZ · 01-31-2024, 01:03 PM

- TUTORIAL - REBUILDING 55 BIRD STEERING BOX -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJiEtVptNZw

03-20-2021, 02:24 AM	#21
KULTULZ Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: IN A 'GALAXIE' FAR FAR AWAY Posts: 6,475	Re: 55 steering gearbox leaking 1955/1957 BIRD Info- Referring URL - https://ctcc9.blogspot.com/2008/05/s...brication.html GM used a grease whereas FORD used oil (to 1957). It seems the grease GM used turned out to be caustic and formulation changed for their 57 model run. Possibly FORD recognized the GM problem and developed their own spec grease for the 1958 model run (recirculating ball type)? Possibly also, FORD went to a grease (58) as a result of failure to retain oil in the box? The type of grease specified was not chassis grease, but a grease that would coat and stay with the internal components. There is most likely a SERVICE LETTER of that period covering this situation. FORD stayed with that grease (type) until box production end (1979?). After reading so many pages/sources, I am inclined to believe the earlier oil filled units should use grease, properly sealed of course. __________________ *** - WHY IS IT ... - ... that everything you buy in the grocery store is either wrapped in or contained in plastic but the government doesn't want you to carry it out in a plastic bag? WONDERING IN W(BY GOD)V ... DIAGNOSED CDO** - (OCD In Correct Alphabetical Order)

01-30-2024, 08:53 AM	#22
KULTULZ Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: IN A 'GALAXIE' FAR FAR AWAY Posts: 6,475	Re: 55 steering gearbox leaking - JUST A QUICK NOTE HERE - The box design was changed in 1958 (FORD) going to a recirculating ball type. This required a grease as to not have the oil separate from the ball design as with the previously used gear oil. This design went until the 1979 model year when the SAGINAW BOX was dropped. An INTEGRAL PS STYLE BOX (1965/ FORD) used PS FLUID to operate and lubricate it. PLEASE READ the updated LUBE REQUIREMENTS (above) (lithium grease) for the early boxes that originally called for gear oil. MERC-EDSEL-LINC applications are differing so make sure you have the correct TECH REPAIR INFO for your particular model year/car.

01-31-2024, 01:03 PM	#23
KULTULZ Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: IN A 'GALAXIE' FAR FAR AWAY Posts: 6,475	Re: 55 steering gearbox leaking - TUTORIAL - REBUILDING 55 BIRD STEERING BOX - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJiEtVptNZw