Earlybay/latebay steering boxes

[sam@bugeyeddesigns]

I realise earlybay and latebay steering boxes are not directly interchangeable but exactly how are they not interchangeable?
Bolt holes to chassis?
Steering column coupling?
Drop arm?

Bit of an odd question but hopefully someone might know.

:mrgreen:

 

[james_stan]

Great question. AFAIK coupling is the same. bolt pattern onto frame is different
and drop arm ?? not sure

As I think you are inferring an early to late box swap could solve a lot of ball-ache. In
fact I'm sure it's been done by someone here - did you search all the steering box postings ?

Cheers

JS

 

[Araon]

I asked this Q a long time back and someone on here has done it but I cant remember who, but basically as above a slight chassis mod and it should fit, i didnt take it further or look into it anymore.....

 

[sam@bugeyeddesigns]

Cheers for the replies guys.

Definately needs a bit more research but a positive start

 

[khh48]

Hi. I did this swap on my 71 a few years ago.
Had to widen the hole trough the frame and move some of the bolt holes. Dont remember how many of them.
Also have to use the drop arm from the newer boxes. You also have to hammer the panel in front of the steering box a little forward
I did the swap in an evening so it is not a very big job.
Im about to do this swap on my 72 this winter.

 

[bluebay]

I think you`d have a lot of interest in this mod,please keep us posted with lots of pics on your progress.

 

[Tristan71]

What are the benefits of the later bay box

 

[Araon]

Price and availability

 

[uber cool]

think i have a LHD late box in the garage I'll take a look at this as my early box is on its way out.

 

[Tristan71]

Do they work any better ?

 

[ozziedog]

Do they work any better ?

I think the point may be, that as the earlies have evaporated and you cannot get them, this may be a viable option and the reconditioning services offered to earlies may be a little more dubious than straight down the line .
You cannot buy early boxes, no one seems set up to recon them properly, so it`s only a matter of time before they become extinct, and as Mr Mot says,,,, `No steering, No mot, No bus ', So that my friend is the issue, unless you get another type of conversion :mrgreen:

Ozziedog,,,,,,,,, :mrgreen: Ever met an MOT dude with a sence of humour ,, :lol: :shock: :lol:

 

[khh48]

Late bays are lighter on the steering wheel because they have 3.5 turns lock to lock. Earlys have 2,75 turns.
I think its an good upgrade, felt i had better controll on worn roads

 

[Tristan71]

A ha I see

 

[ibérico]

Interesting thread! I will follow your progress
I am on my 2nd box now and the "reconditioned" one wasnt a lot better Im afraid

 

[dubdubz]

not sure if it's helpful or not but I have a late steering box on my 68, came from the states like it.

I could take some pics, the installer did cut a chunck out of the bottom valance inner to get it to fit, I also have a 72 servo beam so I thought it was part of the 'late' conversion.

I could [probably not today] jack it up and take some pics, my master cylinder was also moved of course as it's now sat behind the servo...so we may need to compare against others who are on normal brake systems.....

D

 

[sam@bugeyeddesigns]

not sure if it's helpful or not but I have a late steering box on my 68, came from the states like it.

I could take some pics, the installer did cut a chunck out of the bottom valance inner to get it to fit, I also have a 72 servo beam so I thought it was part of the 'late' conversion.

I could [probably not today] jack it up and take some pics, my master cylinder was also moved of course as it's now sat behind the servo...so we may need to compare against others who are on normal brake systems.....

D

Pics would be much appreciated!

 

[norm]

i would be definatly interested in any info on this as mine makes a loud clonk when the wheel is turned . trying to find someone that can refurb them properly seems almost impossible any pics or advise on how to do this would be great as ive got to get it moted before i can register it norm

 

[dubdubz]

not sure if it's helpful or not but I have a late steering box on my 68, came from the states like it.

I could take some pics, the installer did cut a chunck out of the bottom valance inner to get it to fit, I also have a 72 servo beam so I thought it was part of the 'late' conversion.

I could [probably not today] jack it up and take some pics, my master cylinder was also moved of course as it's now sat behind the servo...so we may need to compare against others who are on normal brake systems.....

D

Pics would be much appreciated!

You're welcome to come see first hand, as you live close by....

Darren