There are a few hot rod upgrades, such as installing a Chevy small-block engine or a Ford 9-inch rearend, that are just near impossible to top for pure functionality and ease of installation. Another upgrade along those lines with nothing but positives in its favor is the installation of a Vega-style steering box in an early, framed rod.
For most, the process begins by tracking down an original Vega steering box. Once littered in wrecking yards, finding a Vega today ready and willing to give up its precious steering box has become a rare commodity. Original Vega steering boxes will most likely be found at a swap meet or on the ever-helpful Internet. Once you have the original box in hand, you can tell initially if you are looking at a decent box if the input shaft turns freely and smoothly.Further investigation will require removal of the sector cover. Once opened, the condition of the worm and sector can be inspected along with the internal bearings. If worn, parts may be replaced, but replacement of the bearings will only temporarily solve any problems, as the races that mate to the bearings cannot be replaced.
Beware of "rebuilt" boxes that may have only had fresh grease added and the external adjustment screw over-tightened to remove the play of worn components. Removing the play of a worn box in the center of the turning radius with the adjustment screw only makes the steering box hard to steer in both directions as it is designed to get looser as the wheels are turned in each direction. A worn steering box will allow the car to wander, and you will continually be correcting the vehicle back to the center of the lane, while a properly maintained and properly functioning box will track to the center of the lane without wandering and will turn freely throughout the steering arc in both directions.
With a solid 30-year history of better controlling all types of hot rods, the Vega steering box has proven itself over and over, but has now become scarce, and when one is found, the condition is usually less than optimal. This is where Flaming River Industries saves the day and insures a long and bright future for Vega-controlled hot rods with their completely new and greatly upgraded Vega-style steering box. Available with a brand-new re-engineered cast-iron case in both standard and fast ratio styles, the Flaming River Industries Vega-style steering boxes use 30-percent larger and much stronger internals that will far outperform and outlast original Vega steering boxes. For hot rods already equipped with a Vega-style steering box, a new unit from Flaming River Industries is a direct bolt-in replacement.
Going with a new Vega-style...
Going with a new Vega-style steering box makes it a perfect time to upgrade to a Corvette-style steering wheel and steering column from Flaming River Industries.
An early '50s F-1 or F-100...
An early '50s F-1 or F-100 Ford pickup steering box was a great upgrade for rodders 50 years ago, but even with a box in good condition, factors such as improper steering arm length and draglink angle can make a hot rod very unpleasant to drive. The fact that no one manufactures these boxes new adds to the case that something more modern is definitely necessary.
While the steering was getting...
While the steering was getting replaced, it was deemed to also be a good time to replace the frontend components with much more attractive pieces from SO-CAL Speed Shop. Improvements made by the Buick-style disc brakes should match those of the new cross-steer Vega-style steering
After the holes for the original...
After the holes for the original steering box were filled, the new steering box mounting plate and steering box were clamped into place. The box tucks up and away nicely on the inner framerail. When setting up the steering box, it's most important that it be mounted both horizontally and vertically as parallel as possible to the tie rod connecting the two spindles. This allows the cross-steer-style steering to work most efficiently without binding.
The new Vega-style steering...
The new Vega-style steering box hangs just slightly below the framerail and is nearly invisible from view when the car is sitting on the ground at ride height. This concession from "traditional" is an acceptable diversion from period-correct to even the most hardcore traditionalists.
The new Flaming River early...
The new Flaming River early Corvette-style column and steering wheel are a snap to install along with the connecting rod-style steering column mount from the SO-CAL Speed Shop.
A pair of steering joints...
A pair of steering joints and a piece of bar stock from Flaming River easily connect the Vega-style steering box to the new splined steering column.
Opening an original Vega steering...
Opening an original Vega steering box begins by loosening the adjustment screw on the sector gear cover. This is also the screw that many will use to tighten a worn box before selling it.
With the sector gear cover...
With the sector gear cover off, you can see a bearing in the cover that mates to the surface on the sector gear. This is a high wear area that should be inspected closely. All Vega boxes were originally equipped with a bushing in the sector cover. The fact that this box has a bearing indicates that it has been rebuilt, so it's better than a worn-out box, but since the race can't be resurfaced, the box will wear quicker than a new one.
Where the worm gear meets...
Where the worm gear meets the sector gear is another area prone to much wear. Most wear will occur in the center of the gear where the steering box sees most of its use.
Here's an original Vega steering...
Here's an original Vega steering box (left) compared to the new Flaming River Vega-style steering box. Despite the size increase of the internal components in the Flaming River unit, the compact external package size allows it to easily replace the original GM units. The increased size of the components will better suit the new box to a vehicle with more weight up front than the original GM compact car.