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Hi, I have a 1939 Super Eight with a worn steering box. (suspension is fine) , anyone have any recommendations for a good rebuilder of steering boxes? I used Lares 15 years ago for a Stude Avanti and after 5 weeks I had the new one installed and it was worse than before. Had it shipped back and 8 weeks later got it back, and it was fine. If no one has any better recommendations I will use Lares again. (Making the sign of the cross).
Thanks,

Steve

Have you tried adjusting it according to the shop manual?

I used www.prosteering.com in Portland, OR for an old Falcon Station Bus steering box, and later a Galaxie. Fantastic service and not particularly expensive.

Hey DrMorbius,
I see you're in Spokane... if you aren't afraid of shipping across the border, (and want to get 38% gain on your dollar) you might consider Cancraft Steering in Langley BC. I used them to rebuild my '39 Six steering box and they did a great job. (ref. 'leaking steering box' post by Don B) Chris
https://www.cancraft.com/

Thank you everyone who helped pointing me in the direction for getting my steering box rebuilt. Now I wonder if anyone has a 1939 Super Eight steering box the I could get to rebuild because my mechanic has no room to store my car except outside and since it’s a convertible I can’t do that. Anyone have or know of a spare steering box? I can get that rebuilt and my mechanic can switch it in a day so no keeping the car outside for 2 to 4 months waiting for the rebuilt box.

Steve

Yes, I have tried adjusting it and besides being worn out, it leaks!

Quote:
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Dr. M, Jeff Adkins, Moose Motors, Penngrove (Petaluma, CA), not too far south of you and prompt turnaround, rebuilds steering boxes. As mentioned several times on these forums because i believe in singing the praises of anyone who knows what they're doing, and reasonably, as well as believing small businesses are the backbone of our nation.

Jeff is a lifelong Packard specialist, not only rebuilds components, including the original Packard jigs for pressure plate rebuilding as the originals are as strong but've more finesse than the Ford truck units many using,

but sells mechanical and electrical (not trim) parts for all Packards 1935-on, including R-9, R-11 overdrive and Ultramatic transmissions, and supplies NAPA and other area parts houses with drum brake items for all domestics Auburn through Zephyr.

Please tell this worthy that Mike, '47 Super, Walnut Creek referred you.

Steve,
I have performed this unenviable task of R&Ring the '39 sterering box and wanted to mention that the steering column shaft does come out the bottom it if you unbolt the tierod end, I believe it is. Seems to me convention has it coming out through the cabin and in your case, being a convertible, that would be easier than a closed car, but it also involves tearing up the carpet and removing the floor plates around the base of the steering column. I jacked up the front of the car and pulled it out the bottom and it was a lot cleaner and easier. (for me anyway) Your mechanic may have done lots of these and already know all this, but just thought I'd mention it in case this is his first Packard steering box. Chris.

By the way, I’m not in Spokane, I’m in Lafayette Indiana.