1937 Dodge steering box emergency

[glhuth]

Peoples.......I'm looking for any help, information or experience regarding my 1937 Dodge steering. I have installed a sbc 327. I knew going in that I would probably have clearance problems between the stock steering box and the sbc. The stock steering column goes over the middle of the last exhaust port. I would like to use the stock column and the stock steering box. Has anyone relocated the stock box location so that the exhaust manifold can be installed? Or, has anyone installed a Vega conversion that will work with the stock suspension? Any feedback will be received by a "warm and fuzzy heart."

Thanks again,

Peagoober4u2  

[james curl]

To do what you want to do will require a center link from a 56 Chrysler 300 which mounts on the front cross member and uses equal length tie rods.  The steering box will mount on top of the frame and the pitman arm will go to the center link with a tie rod.  You can use most GM steering boxes or an original Mustang box which sit on top of the frame and the steering gear cross shaft housing attaches to the inside of the frame.  If you look in older motors manuals you will find that when Chrysler installed the hemi in the early cars they went to a center link with a drag link like the 50 Chevy cars used.  They installed the steering box on top of the frame with the pitman arm moving front to rear with a drag link to the center link installed on the front cross member.

[1952B3b23]

I don't have an exact answer to your question but I can recommend joining the HAMB forum. Look it up on google. Once you're a member there you can search the forum. You might get lucky and find a documented build with pics to help you out.

I'm not saying that you won't get all the help you need here cause there's tons of very helpful and knowledgable people on here. The HAMB is more of a hot rod and custom car forum so mods like the one you are doing are common place. Plus it can't hurt to have multiple sources for help. Good luck.

-Chris

[glhuth]

James......Thanks so very much for your information. I think I know where I can purchase the parts that are needed. I thought I had my problem solved the other day........I should have know it was too easy. I was going to move the stock gear box back 4" and just add 4" to the drag link ( my terminology may not be correct ). But when you turn the steering wheel all the way to the right, the drag link ends up being 2" away from the body/frame corner. So much for moving the box back 4" and 2" won't get me where I need to be. Your reply sounds like a power steering unit could easily work as well.

I appreciate you,

Gary   

[glhuth]

Chris.......I'm joining the HAMB. They seem to have everything from A to Z. Thanks so much for the suggestion.

Gary

[Plymouthy Adams]

then they find out you have a mopar....lol