can this adjustment be performed with the front wheels in place and on the ground?
any suggestions on doing this the "right" way?

thanks,Mark

"God Bless Texas"location: Houston,TX

That can be done on ground ,but how is your worm bearing preload? Some older car manuals tell how to do this.

This is from my '55 Merc shop manual (paraphrased): Remove the pitman arm from the end of the steering shaft. Check the worm bearing preload, should be 9 to 14 5/8 inch lbs. (Adjusting preload is done by adding or removing shims where the shaft enters the box.)  The steering wheel must be in the straight ahead position when preload is checked. Using a straight spring scale ( a fish scale will do), hook the scale at the junction of a steering wheel spoke to the wheel rim. If the sector (worm bearing preload) is in proper adjustment it will take from 1 lb. to 1 5/8 lbs. pull at 90 degrees to the spoke to turn the steering shaft when the wheel is in the straight ahead position. If the scale reads less than 1 lb. turn the adjusting screw in; if more than 1 5/8 lbs. turn the screw out.

If you haven't already, I suggest you remove all the slop from the steering linkage before messing with the box. Getting the adjustments too tight will accelerate wear on the worm and sector, then you're looking at a rebuild.

I've checked everything underneath and it is all surprisingly tight (all original equipment). I plan to replace the bushings on the upper and lower control arms.  thought about ball joints too, but as far as I can tell, they are still in good shape... no leaking of grease or loose.

"God Bless Texas"location: Houston,TX

Control arm bushings don't have much direct effect on the linkage and box. Just be careful with your adjustments, tiny increments at a time. If your box leaks you can use straight STP in it, Guaranteed not to leak out.

What area of Houston are you in? I used to live there until about 10 years ago..

small increments is right! got some tightness restored to the steering.
I'm in Deer Park-southeast of Houston metro, next to Pasadena and the worlds largest Shell refinery.
would like to hook up with some 50's Ford guys in my area... anyone have any leads?
thanks,Mark

"God Bless Texas"location: Houston,TX

Good deal. I know the Deer Park/Pasadena area pretty well, it was part of my territory when I was in the auto parts bidniz. I lived in SW Houston near Sugarland and then off 1960/Champions area. Moved to TN with a job transfer in 2005.