Update on 66' tbird from a new owner.

[geraldshaw]

After installing my new power steering gear box and putting it all back together, I had reported a new problem had developed with the gear shift being out of place. After looking at it for a while I finally realized that when I unbolted a brace in the linkage to make room, and then put it back on, I had rotated it 180 degrees out of place. After putting it back the way it is suppose to be, the gear shift linkage is now working fine again. I also managed to straighten the steering wheel by slightly loosening the bolt at the Flex Joint at the gear, then driving the car straight in a parking lot to find where straight is, turning the engine off so the power steering was off, and then turning the steering wheel as it clicked over the gear shaft spline until it was straight, starting the car again, and turning the wheel until I could get to the bolt to tighten it again.

Last two problems to fix is the exhaust leak somewhere on the right side of the manifold. Perhaps the doughnut gasket. Has anyone tried replacing these? Any hints on how to do it?

Minor oil drip when the car is turned off. Can't seem to find where it is coming from. I tightened the oil pan and valve covers.

I am also going to try to replace the zipper on the rear window (convertible) with velcro.

Thanks for any advise.

Gerald

[boaterbob]

Just curious, With your wheels straight do you get the same amount of turns on your steering wheel till it stops to the left and right from the middle?

[Harley Eaton]

Exhaust donut can be replaced easily. Only problem you may incur is need to take down both sides to get one side down. Common oil leak location is rear of the intake manifold.

[SCUMDOG]

You mentioned earlier that your steering box leaked at the bottom, is this common?
Also where did you get your new steering box and how much did it cost?

I feel I may have the same problem - also wondering if you can get a rebuild kit for these?

[Harley Eaton]

I didn't know new gearboxes were available.. They can be rebuilt. There is a place here in Fort Worth that does that - called "Texas Steer".

[SCUMDOG]

Originally Posted by Harley Eaton

I didn't know new gearboxes were available.. They can be rebuilt. There is a place here in Fort Worth that does that - called "Texas Steer".

The catch is that I live in New Zealand, about 12,000 miles from Anywhere, Texas.

[geraldshaw]

The number of turns are the same. Steers great, except the wheel tends to not return by itself coming out of the turn.

[geraldshaw]

The gearbox was a rebuilt. A company in Calif. I did see rebuild kits for it as well.

[geraldshaw]

Sorry, I didn't mean new. It was rebuilt and cost $350.00

[SCUMDOG]

Originally Posted by geraldshaw

The number of turns are the same. Steers great, except the wheel tends to not return by itself coming out of the turn.

Is it a steering-box problem or do you just need the castor set up properly?

A lack of castor in the front suspension geometry will cause the same symptoms.

[SCUMDOG]

Got my t-bird as per my other posting, discovered the s'box leak is at the bottom of the s'box - not the hose fittings, anybody care to let me know what kind of a repair job I'm heading for- apart from taking the s'box out? (and THAT looks like a real mission - any tips for that would be appreciated.)

[Harley Eaton]

The lower gearbox seal can be replaced with the gearbox in the car. The Ford part number for the seal is D5AW-3591-AA, but I think it's only available as part of the seal kit. The lower seal kit is Ford part number D7AZ-3E501-A. The complete seal kit is Ford part number D3AZ-3C538-A. Try your parts supplier for the lower seal by itself. The parts book shows the gearbox to have two seals on the lower shaft with a spacer between them.

[SCUMDOG]

Thanks Harley - ya had me going when you mentioned 'gear-box', here in New Zealand that's what we call a transmission!

The nearest dealer I would get those seals from would probably be in the US unless some importer of repro Ford type stuff stocks them (VERY unlikley) in NZ.

Are those seals a bit of a problem on T'bird boxes or is it just and age thing? (My 'bird has 19,027 miles on it, most likely 119,027 but looking at the interior etc you wouldn't think it was THAT high in the mileage)