Steering box swap

[MBF]

The box in my '52 (actually its a '49) is loose. I've removed a shim and adjusted it, but its still loose. I have the guts from a known good box from a '53. Are these internal parts (worm, sector, bearings, bushings) the same as a '49? I was going to swap in a box from another 53, but the column is more vertical in my truck than the '53. I suspect that the bolt pattern on the boxes are different. Anyone got any idea if this will work? Anyone had a column rebuilt before? Mike

[Bob_Koch]

I looked in Hollister's , but couldn't find any exchange info on steering boxes for 48-50. I could find all the other years. Thought they might list which one's are interchangable. Guess you might have to compare part numbers.

[Merle Coggins]

From what I can determine in my parts manual, the 1/2 - 1 ton trucks were all the same '48-'53, unless you have a "Flat Face Cowl" version.

Merle

[MBF]

Thanks Merle-I'll have to look more closely-I do have a complete box from a 53 that is tight-I didn't think it would fit due to the steering column angle. Maybe it isn't in the way the ears on the box are mounted, maybe the frames were drilled differently. Mike

[Dodgeb4ya]

B-1&2 steering boxes have a different part#`s than B-3&4 series do. Guts are the same but the steering shaft angle means different mounting ears on the steering box castings. Info from the 1948-53 Dodge truck parts book.

Bob

[MBF]

Thanks Dodgeb4ya! That's kinda what I thought. I may look at doing a gut swap as I like the positioning of the steering wheel in my 49 er 52! Mike