Product Summary

Universal Fit, Manual Steering Box Type, Cast Iron

  • All new casting and internal components ensure a tight and positive steering feel
  • Popular for early hot rods when using cross steering which reduces or eliminates bump steer
  • Convenient kit includes the correct mounting bracket and pitman arm along with our popular Vega steering box
  • Durable cast iron construction with precision machined steel internal components
  • Must be adjusted for optimal and preferred driver feel upon installation per included instructions

Comes as a Kit

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Key Specs

Steering Box TypeManual
Steering Box OrientationRear Steer
Steering System TypeCross-Steer
Material TypeCast Iron
FinishPainted
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Need To Know

Quick and Easy Returns

Return Policy

Speedway Motors 9163220 Details

  • Precision cast reproduction of the popular Chevy Vega manual steering box
  • All external dimensions match original Vega steering box, including mounting holes
  • Original 20:1 steering ratio with five turns lock-to-lock maintained
  • Cast from premium cast iron material with steel internals, painted black
  • Pre-filled with lightweight gear/bearing grease
  • Designed for rear steer mounting with solid axle cross-steer applications
  • Do not use for vehicles weighing more than 2,800 lbs.
  • 5/8-36 spline input shaft with 1-inch output shaft
  • Kit includes weld-on mounting bracket for Model T to 1934 Ford frames
  • Plain steel non-offset pitman arm with double-tapered tie-rod end hole included
  • More comfortable steering column angle and less engine interference/fitment issues
  • Vega manual steering box greatly reduces bump steer in straight axle front ends
  • Steering box play adjustment must be checked before driving

A Quality Reproduction for Your Hot Rod Build

Hot rodding’s history will show the ingenuity of early hot rod builders and how they built their cars from just about any parts they could get their hands on that was an upgrade to the original items on their ride. It didn’t matter who the manufacturer was, these early hot rodders were not platform disciples, building their cars with whatever parts they could get their hands on and that made an improvement. It was completely common to see an early Ford hot rod with a Chevy engine, Buick drum brakes, and so forth.

This hot rodding resourcefulness continues to this day with nostalgia and period builds, and back in the 1970s it wasn’t uncommon to see similar upgrades installed just like their forefathers, including that small block Chevy engine and more. One popular upgrade in the ’70s that is still used today for popular cross steer applications in early pre-war hot rod builds is the Chevy Vega steering box.

This steering box was extremely popular for its compact size and ease of conversion to work in a hot rod. Back then these boxes were plentiful in salvage yards, as they could be found on many GM vehicles of the day, including the Vega and Monza, Pontiac’s Astre and Sunbird, and the Oldsmobile Starfire, all of which were made up to 1980 (except the Vega and Astre, which ended production in 1977). However, it is now well into the 21st century and even the newest production steering box you’ll find is over 40 years old with untold mileage and wear. Speedway Motors to the rescue with our exact reproduction Vega steering box for your next hot rod build!

Premium Materials Provide a Lifetime of Service

We know finding good usable parts is getting more difficult with each passing year, and the Vega cross steering setup is a perfect example. We set out to build a quality reproduction Vega steering box using the best materials to save you the pain of trying to find a good used box or buying a “rebuilt” box that has nothing more than fresh grease in it and the free play adjusted out of it. We start with a gear box housing cast from iron and machined to proper specs that is then deburred and polished smooth before being given a bath of beautiful chrome plating. We then fill this gear box with reproduction recirculating ball components including the steel block, worm gear, and precision steel balls, and updating the stock shaft bushing to full roller needle bearings. Finally, a high-temp grease is used to lubricate the internals and we give it a tough coat of gloss black paint. Free play is loosely set from the factory, and we highly recommend checking and setting steering free play on your completed steering linkage installation using the included instructions.

Original Mounting Pattern Works with Compatible Frames and Mounting Brackets

The Vega steering box is popular for a reason, both back in the day and today. Like a true hot rodder will attest, using parts that are plentiful and cheap was the way to go in the past. Today, these parts are used up and hard to find, so creating a new reproduction part is the answer. We stayed true to the Vega steering box’s dimensions and mounting pattern and our kit is the perfect answer to those with Model T through 1934 Ford frames looking to add a Vega steering box. We provide the weld-on mounting bracket along with our plain steel non-offset pitman arm. This pitman arm is double tapered at the tie-rod end, allowing you to install your drag link from the top or the bottom for best clearance.

Just like the original Vega steering box, ours is a five turns lock-to-lock 20:1 steering ratio. Simply add your Vega spec steering column U-joint to our reproduction Vega steering box kit to connect your new Vega steering box to the steering column of your choice. Please keep in mind that the Vega steering box weight rating means it works best on vehicles weighing less than 2,800 pounds. For heavier applications we suggest our Saginaw 525 style manual steering box, which uses the same mounting bolt pattern as the lighter duty Vega unit.

Application

Kit includes:

Speedway Vega Steering Box

  • 20:1 steering ratio
  • 5 turns lock-to-lock

Steel Vega Pitman Steering Arm

  • Plain finish
  • Non-offset design
  • Double-tapered "Ford" tie rod end hole (lets you attach the drag link on the top or on the bottom)

Vega Steering Box Mount

  • Fits Model T thru 1934 Ford frames
  • Weld-on design

 

Charts

Speedway Motors 9163220 Specifications

KEY SPECS
MFG. Part #9163220
BrandSpeedway Motors
Steering Box TypeManual
Steering Box OrientationRear Steer
Steering System TypeCross-Steer
Material TypeCast Iron
FinishPainted
GENERAL
Steering Ratio20:1
Turns Lock to Lock5 Turns
Input Shaft Spline Count36
Input Shaft Diameter0.62"
Output Shaft Spline Count32 and 4 master
Output Shaft Diameter1"
Overall Length5.75"
Thread Pitch10 mm mounting holes
Centerline of Holes4.375"
Sold in QuantityKit

Ratings & Reviews

4.7

47 Reviews

Overall Assessment

Customers commend the product's impressive aesthetics, functionality, and easy installation, particularly for hot rod vehicles. It is praised for being compact and fitting comfortably in A-frames, with most customers expressing satisfaction and intent to repurchase. Despite needing some slight modifications for certain vehicle types and requiring proficient assembly skills, the product performs excellently when installed correctly. The product's quality is highlighted by its relative affordability, minimal play in the box, well-machined splines, sturdy construction and smooth operation. Notwithstanding a single case of defective play reported by an overseas buyer, clients generally find this product to offer great value for money due to its outstanding performance and craftsmanship.

4.7

47 reviews

5

37

4

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Most Liked Positive Review

5.0

Amazing shipping!!

Totally happy with everything we have ordered. The one exception (due to our own needs, not a mistake by Speedway) was easily returned and credit extended within a very short time. We are amazed at how quickly our shipments arrive!! All of our transactions have been timely, reasonably priced, and just as promised. Thanks for a job well done.

Most Liked Negative Review

1.0

Overseas buyers be aware

long story short purchased and fitted at start of build on completion 10 months later on first test drive discovered excessive play which couldn't be adjusted out. Speedway offered to replace but i must pay for return and wouldn't reimburse me on receipt of box I live in the UK so return shipping would be around half the purchase price. first offered me a discounted box with free shipping but still i would be out of pocket half of the original costs after a few emails offered to refund me less than half of the purchase price(+shipping and import duties) and keep the box with is faulty (useless). All i wanted was what i paid for a functioning steering box and not have to pay for the privilege twice.

Filter by Ratings

Great product

5.0

3 months ago

Troy

Chesapeake VA

Verified

Quality products

Would Recommend

I did buy this product twice, works great and I will buy it

5.0

7 months ago

Bo

Madison Tn

Verified

I'm building another gasser, it will be raced and street driven, great product and easy to install

yes

5.0

a year ago

chris

pa

Verified

small n compact

Would Recommend

Hope I don't have to buy another

5.0

a year ago

Bones

Okla

Hope it works

Would Recommend

Cover plate falls off

1.0

a year ago

Matt

Butler, PA

Verified

Won't cover it. Under a 1000 miles on the truck.

Would Not Recommend

Good piece

5.0

a year ago

Tfreas

Long Beach WA

Verified

Everything fots

Would Recommend

Yes

5.0

a year ago

JD

West Virginia

Verified

Not installed yet but looks to be good quality.

Would Recommend

Well built, smooth action.

5.0

a year ago

White Lightning

Nashville, TN

Verified

I am mounting this on a 31 model A ford with 35 spindles and a stock block. Some creativity is needed to clear the oil pan due to the 4" drop axle.

Would Recommend

I would purchase this item for future projects

5.0

2 years ago

Snappy

Ft Wayne In

Verified

I used this on a 62 Ford Falcon Gasser project to update steering box and improve space

Would Recommend

Nice looking

5.0

2 years ago

Kevin

Sanborn mn

Verified

Looks great mocked up haven't gotten to try it out yet

Would Recommend

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Showing 10 of 47 reviews

Questions & Answers

23 Questions • 12 Answers

any special drilling?? any special plates needed for mounting?? Does the Pitman arm match the current one??? 1946 ford deluxe......please advise....

by walter sturmfels

• 5 years ago

1 answer

will this kit work on a 1951 ford Victoria car

by fred

• 7 years ago

1 answer

Will the vega steering box kit p/n: 9163220 work in a 1960 ford f100? i have an aftermarket summit column for the truck

by Steve

• 8 years ago

1 answer

Will this work for a 1946 ford 1/2 Toni pick up with stock steering column? What additional parts would be needed?

by Jason

• 8 years ago

1 answer

is this a direct bolt in for a 1951 chevy business coupe.

by Anthony

• 8 years ago

1 answer

Can the pitman arm that comes in this kit be heated and bent up or down some if needed?

by Roy

• 9 years ago

1 answer

does this steering box fit directly to a 1935 Ford steering column and if not, what do I need to connect it up.

by nick

• 9 years ago

1 answer

Will this set up work on a stock/boxed model a ford frame with small block chevy mounted with 916-18012 motor mount and split wish bones?

by Al

• 9 years ago

3 answers

Was wondering about using your vega steering box conversion on a 1931 dodge. Also wondering about replacing the factory straight axle with one of your new ones with disc brakes.

by Jack

• 9 years ago

1 answer

What size is the nut on the pitman arm? I lost mine and need to purchase a replacement.

by c

• 9 years ago

1 answer

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10 of 23 questions shown

Fitment

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