===================== Ross Steering box/// IF your steering is in a "bind - as you say- then it hasn't been properly adjusted. The steering box is held by (3) long bolts. (1) goes through a hole in the frame, while the other (2) are in "slotted" holes. What this does- is allow the steering box to pivot on the lowermost bolt. and the other (2) bolts allow you to adjust the angle of the steering post jacket and wheel to a more comfortable driving position. To reset the box- 1) loosen all 3 bolts for the steering box at the frame. 2) go inside the car, and loosen (not remove) the (2) bolts holding the steering column to the dash brace. 3) Shim(add/remove) the "Ships Wheel"- (at the dash brace) to a comfortable driving position- and retighten the (2) bolts at the dash-brace. 4) Return to the (3) bolts holding the steering box- and tighten them. 5) loosen the pitman shaft adjustment locknut (side of the steering box with a slotted bolt) 6) tighten/loosen the screw- to obtain a 3/4" play in the steering wheel before movement of the pitman shaft. secure locknut.- while holding the adjusting screw in a fixed position. 7) turn the steering wheel in a 70 degree arc- if it "binds" on either side- outside of 20 degrees off-center, then your pitman shaft "pins" and worm gear- are worn beyond repair. The only recourse is to replace them (about 4 hour job- and $250 parts). Otherwise- the steering will be "correct in the center", bind "off center" .. and the steering won't "return" to center by itself- after a turn. If you set the play wider in the middle to remove the "bind"... then you will have too much play in the straight-ahead position. This will create a car that wanders- and you constantly have to correct to keep it on the road. I have some pics of the '55 steering box- and an inherant problem with the dual-pins of the pitman shaft. This design was changed in '56 to a single-pin encased in tapered bearings. This reduced the wear to the pin and the worm gear inside the steering box. Ray ==================================== Steering box - 1963 - 197? Type Ross cam and roller - Adjust The steering gear (i.e. box) has a "high spot" in the center of its travel. At that point, there is very little slack in the box. Get a little off center, and the slack increases. The purpose of this is to give a solid feel when going straight down the road, but to allow for easier turning once you DO turn. Get the wheel off-center on the box, and then center the wheel for going straight down the road, and you will be off the high spot, and the car will pull to one side. One should follow the procedure as the shop manual puts it. Get the box on center first, then get the tie rods set to get the car going straight, and then, and only if necessary, center the steering wheel on the column. ------------------- Notes: After Avanti ran out of the original steering boxes (early 70's) they used a really Mickey Mouse adapter bracket to mount a different box. This bracket has a bunch of bolts holding it and they tend to work loose which allows the box to move or pivot when you turn the wheel. It is kind of gradual so you don't necessarily notice it until it is pretty bad. I had to replace the steering box because the movement had caused damage to the worm gear assembly. Good news- I found a NOS original box and got rid of the problem and gained quick steering as well. PJ jul01 --------------------------- Lubrication after Studebaker Ford steering gear grease (#C3AZ-19578-A) this is a standard grease gun cartrdige. Will not seep out a bad shaft seal. Randee Aug 2002 ------------------ Current Ford part for grease is: XG1C 10-pak @$5. ea