Aussi Bill: An aside here that won't help( N.J.) Paul. Possibly Australia got the recirculating ball steering box in 57, but in N.America it arrived in 58, along with a revised horn feed. However, I don't think the 57 or 58 & later box will help with the 54 situation.

Paul

The boxes(complete assemblys not internal parts) for 55 and 56 are interchangeable being only a slight difference in shaft length  which can be compensated for by adjusting the outer steering column.My 56 was built with a leftover 55 box from the assembly plant.55 steering boxes as well as the aircooled Fordomatics were installed until all were used up and then the better stuff was installed.I got both on mine.

  

Hi, i cant see any problems with o.hauling your steering box, the parts are readily available from a few suppliers, joblot,concours, etc as others have pointed out. Finding a good used 54 box that hasnt allready got the case hardening  worn from the steering worm may take forever and a lot of wasted $. The worm would wear through the case hardening in the center straight ahead position then the teeth would get chips in it causing freeplay, over the years  pressure on this point by constant adjustment would make it worse and can cause chunks to breakaway and lock the steering from returning, panic!! The worm is pressed onto the shaft and has 1 keyway locking it in position. I suggest get a good mechanic with steering box expeirence, pay for the necessary parts yourself then pay him for his services. They changed the 2 tooth roller sector  in 56 to 3 roller sector shaft and while the worms look similar do not mesh correctly. Ford in 57 changed to the recirculating worm and ball steering that is still in use today and is far more efficiant, less efffort to turn and wears alot better.  Hope this helps, regards Aussie Bill.

  AussieBill            YYYY    Forever Y Block     YYYY

 Down Under, Australia

54 lists a 41 5/8" shaft, 55 a 39 7/8" shaft and 56 uses a 37 13/32 shaft.

Kenneth

Fredricksburg, Texas

Not sure of '54-'55, but a '56 shaft would be shorter because of the dished steering wheel.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

My book doesn't list a complete assembly, but a 54 through 56 all use an AD 3548 housing. So they will look alike. Hollander calls for a different box for a 54, 55 and 56. I think the difference in the 3 years is the length of the worm gear shaft. I looked at a NOS 56 worm gear I have and it looks like the worm gear may be pressed or heat shrunk on the shaft. I'm not sure I would want to try to remove it and install it. It might difference in length of the shaft. If there was more interchangeability, I think Hollander would mention it. The Ford book calls for either a 4 or 5 tooth sector for 54. 56 early used a 2 tooth sector and late used a 3 tooth sector. I think I would look for a good used 54 steering box.

Kenneth

Fredricksburg, Texas

Paul (NJ): No one is answering so, I'll try. Your original may be a 2 tooth sector box? Did the replacement come out of a 55 or 56 car? Check the steering shaft length. Concours Parts lists different length shafts for 54-56 & a 4 tooth shaft & worm for 54. However, 55s & early 56s have a 2 tooth sector & later a 3 tooth. The 2 tooth ones were inclined to get flat spots in them even when not as old as they are now. If the box isn't redone, put it in a vice or whatever & run it back and forth with your fingers to see if it's smooth operating. And if it does not show oil in it, put in 80-90 W & let sit over night, upright to see if it leaks. Mine leaked with new oil in it. This info isn't specific but hope it helps.

Paul

My 54 has a bad steering box, adjustment all gone. I pulled it out, it has a number 2AD 3550A on it. The replacement has number 5AD 3550A on it. I'm assuming the 2AD is the original box. Does any one have a listing on the 5AD. Physically they look identical.



Thanks.

54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ