[bulldogmafia]

Needs some help and suggestions please, this is my first build w/ a Hemi, 55 Red-Ram Dodge in a 28 Tudor sedan. Yes it has front sump in oil pan. Frame I am constructing, 3 by 2 by .187 wall, split bones or hairpins in front w/ 4 inch drop tube front axle. Spring over setup. Should I go with cross or traditional steering, and what box do you guys recommend for your suggestion? I am still at a point where I can follow the best advice so there will be no compromise on the best setup that is suggested, thanks in advance to everyone for thier help and advice, bulldog.

[powerrodsmike]

Have you mocked up the motor yet? ( I guess if you haven't built the frame yet you have not..hahaha) can you lengthen the frame to accomodate the crossteering? You didn't say if you are running fenders, hood etc, which might limit your wheelbase.
If you have clearance for cross steer, that would be my choice. I would NOT recommend any Vega style box for that build, it will self destruct in a short time unless steps are taken to increase it's mechanical advantage. (IMO, there is too much weight on the front wheels for a vega box and have seen them wear out very quickly .)

Use a 525 box from a Camaro or similar mid sized GM for cross steer.

The guys with more experience with side steering options can tell you about those.

Later, mikey

[Frisco]

Originally Posted by bulldogmafia

Should I go with cross or traditional steering, and what box do you guys recommend for your suggestion?

On my earlier hot rods (Model 'T' and Model 'A's) I used the side steer 1956 Ford F100 steering boxes. They offer a traditional look and work very well but are getting harder to find.

My last project (a fenderless channeled Model 'A' coupe) used the currently popular Vega cross steer. I liked it and would recommend it over the earlier '56 Ford F100 box. The Vega was much easier to steer; even when a smaller diameter steering wheel is used.

There also is a rack & pinion box called Uni-Steer that is a bolt on replacement for the Vega box. Speedway Motors offers it as well as other aftermarket suppliers. I have no experience with it.

A front panhard bar is recommended when using the cross steer to help eliminate any 'bump' steer. A rigid shackle mount on one side could be utilized instead of the panhard bar and is available at some aftermarket suppliers.

[bulldogmafia]

Sorry forgot to mention rig will be fender-less, and perimeter of frame is done and lengthened slightly, I want to run a hood with no sides, { thats the rules with a hemi right?], and will lengthen the hood top 3.5", not mocked up engine/trans yet, because running T5 and have yet to purchase adapter, that's because of new Miller AC/DC stick purchase. Love my Millermatic 135 mig, just wanted something with more bite for the frame. I agree Vega will be stressed with the weight, but I do want to run cross steer. Will check out the 525 box, just don't want a power steer unit. Frisco, panhard was in the plans, thanks, Rack-n-pinion is out that's for sure, like the idea of the F100, was considering a 48-52 F1 also for the side steer, I believe a guy has one that will swap me for some welding, but again want to go cross if I can, just wanted to get some feedback. Thanks very much for input guy's, REALLY APPRECIATE IT!!, bulldog.