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View Full Version : 1966 Thriftside Steering Gear Question

COLOFIREMAN
04-28-2010, 05:04 PM
I have a friend here that has a 1966 thriftside, in mint shape mind you, and needs a steering gear for it. He tells me it 1965-66 only??? :huh:

If anyone can bring a little light on this.

It's the one I play the joke on you all. If you all remember it no throwing fruit it you remember the thread. http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd218/COLOJEEPGUY2K/Emotions/532805.gif

:D
Mikel
04-28-2010, 05:11 PM
'66 should be after the Ross nightmare, so a regular Saginaw box should fit.
COLOFIREMAN
04-28-2010, 09:43 PM
'66 should be after the Ross nightmare, so a regular Saginaw box should fit.

What does "the Ross Nightmare" mean?
Elliott
04-28-2010, 10:30 PM
That was the box back on the frame by the firewall, and a pivot arm deal at the front crossmember linked to the tie rod. Power assist on that system was the Thompson steering assist cylinder like the early Mustang used.


If it was a late '65 titled as a '66 it may have the Ross box. I've had a couple like that and front crossmember is different so you can't just swap in a Saginaw on the truck frame either (waggy, yes... truck, no).
TheJeeper
04-28-2010, 10:53 PM
The Ross box is a "nightmare" because they're near impossible to find in usable shape. And parts to rebuild them are even more rare.

And for the Trucks, the Saginaw swap is nightmarish, as well. It requires a cross-member swap, and linkage modification.

For reference, they were Ross-equipped from '63-late 65 and some early 66s.
COLOFIREMAN
04-28-2010, 11:52 PM
I just talked to him and he said it has a VIN# that says it's a 64' but the title shows a 66'. I haven't had a chance to look at it in person so I check it out and let you know.
Gambler68
04-29-2010, 02:26 AM
There could be a box either UP on the frame rail towards the firewall, or down low at the corner of the frame. I have one off a 64. I believe Kaiserman has one or two as well for sale in better shape. The TSM for those years shows how to tear them down and rebuild.

Not sure if a later saginaw will work if it has the Ross setup because of the big plate that's in there, crossbrace thats not on later 60's frames with saginaw, could be wrong.

here's a nice thread with pics of a later saginaw put in an earlier Ross rig
http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=30534&highlight=saginaw