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Old 03-19-2016, 08:29 PM   #1
50fordcoupeman
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Default 50 Ford steering box adjustment

My 50 coupe has about 3 inches of play in the steering wheel. Can this be lessened by screwing down the adjustment screw? Thanks in advance!!
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Old 03-19-2016, 08:53 PM   #2
JSeery
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Default Re: 50 Ford steering box adjustment

Maybe some, but that much play is most likely a combination of things and not just the box.
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Old 03-20-2016, 05:16 AM   #3
A bones
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Default Re: 50 Ford steering box adjustment

If adjustment of steering box is not satisfying....

Time to get it up. Either on a lift or secure jack stands. Need a friend to turn the steering wheel left right while you look from below checking joints (pitman arm, drag link, tie rod ends) for slop in the connections. You can then also see more by having him hold the wheel. (Oh yeah, you could also just tie the wheel, if its not a show car. As a tow operator I would use an old fan belt looped through the door jamb. Better though, to have help) Then while beneath the car grasp each tire as close to 9 and 3 o'clock shaking tire from left to right will give more insight to problems at tie rod ends. Next, hold the tire near 6 and 12 o'clock, try to see any in/out movement at the suspension arms and hub eyes. This will give you an idea of the king pin condition. -(Really bad ones tend to wander from your path as you travel.)- If you are not sure engage an expert ( I did not say pro ) for a second opinion.

Also forgot to mention, for king pin check, need to remove spring tension with curb jack, or pole -screw jack, if on lift. Good that 38coop has a site person for box rebuild

Good Luck!
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Last edited by A bones; 03-20-2016 at 08:43 AM. Reason: forgot
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Old 03-20-2016, 07:35 AM   #4
38coop
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Default Re: 50 Ford steering box adjustment

Go to (shoebox-central.com) there was a procedure posted there on how to adjust 49-50 ford steering boxes. The owner (Chris) also rebuilds them.
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Old 03-20-2016, 10:28 AM   #5
flathead4rd
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Default Re: 50 Ford steering box adjustment

The screw with the lock nut has nothing to do with play in the steering wheel. You need to loosen the four bolts on the front of the steering box and rotate it clockwise. Probably an 1/8" will do the trick. Don't loosen the four bolts too much. just enough to be able to tap the plate clockwise. Backoff the slotted screw about a turn before adjusting the front plate.
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Old 03-20-2016, 12:09 PM   #6
50fordcoupeman
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Default Re: 50 Ford steering box adjustment

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Thank you for all of the advice. This is my second shoe box but didn't to adjust the first one. Well back out to the shop!!!
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