VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1949-1954 hard steering

I learned to drive on my dad's 54 do not remember it being that hard to steer especially on a three point turn.I completely rebuilt the front end of my 54 convert except for the steering box when I back out of the garage and make a three point turn in the driveway it is a real stress.I'm wondering if any body found a better steering box that could replace the stock one.I want to keep the original column and standard shift linkage.I'm also thinking that the housing could be machined for needle bearings for the sector instead of a bushing.Any info would be appreciated.I put a 525 chevy steering box in my 50 olds what a big improvement,well worth the effort.

The 1953 and 1954 steering box has needle bearings and not bushings. That along with a slightly larger steering wheel made the 1953-54 steer easier than a 1952. If you have radial tires the steering will require more effort.

In reading the shop manual I see the later steering box has a higher numerical ratio and needle bearings,the top of the box has an embossed X near the mast jacket.The box in the car has no markings and the original box that was in the car is also not marked,I had to replace the box that came with the car because if you pulled up on the steering wheel the steering shaft would pull out of the worm.My question is how do I know if I have the later box where some not marked? I tried to determine the ratio if I turn the steering rod it will go 5 1/4 turns lock to lock and the sector will go 1/4 turn.Any help would be appreciated,thanks.

I took the spare box apart today it has the needle bearings for the sector shaft does that mean it is the later box with the improved ratio?also I pulled off the loose worm gear I'm planning on disrupting the key slot so the worm won't slide off it appears when it is fully seated on the steering shaft the worm is out passed the shaft can anyone give me an approx. measurement of the distance between the steering shaft and end of the worm.thanks in advance.