I have an early 58 Fairlane with a (I think) late 57 steering box in it.  I bought what was supposed to be a later 58 box and shaft.  With my engine out now, we thought we'd change the steering too.  The later 58 box and shaft fit really well, bolt holes line up and the angle is correct, and the pitman arm seems to fit right....except that the part of the steering box that the shaft fits into...is 2 inches too long so that all my manual transmission linkages are pushed up against the firewall....there is not enough space now between the steering box and the firewall  for my shift linkages.

Did Ford make a different box for manual vs. auto trany?

Should I just get my 57 box rebuilt....I have read that they are not as good as a 58 box?

What steering column have I bought that fits so well but is a bit big going up the shaft?

Thanks again for all your help.

Gt

Gordie T           Long Point, Ontario