A friend asked me if I had an extra 3548 key for the ball arm at the bottom of the steering shaft.
No, but I have extras of 2598B, the pinion to drive shaft key, and it seems to fit rather OK when I try it on a loose steering shaft.
But if the keys were identical, then Ford would have given them the same number, so I wonder what's the difference - and did anyone try use a 2598B on the steering shaft?
Roger,
I do not have those parts readily available so I cannot look at them. I do not know if they look the same or if they are different size etc.
However, in the Ford Price List of Parts the steering key is 3 cents and the drive shaft pinion key is 5 cents. That is 1.666 times more costly than the steering key. (Note the wholesale prices would be less but would have a similar cost difference.) And in Langs 2017 catalog -- the steering key is 90 cents and the pinion key is 1.95. In that case about twice the price.
Ford would not have used a 5 cent key if a 3 cent key would work. Therefore even if they are the same size, clearly they are not the hardness, metal make up or something similar.
And I believe that makes sense. I can put a lot more stress on the pinion key way by braking hard than I can put on the steering key way by turning quickly.
If we could look at the factory drawing -- it would probably clarify the difference.
Below is from the price list of parts that Bruce compiled and is available on his Comprehensive CD (which I highly recommend).
By the way -- I always enjoy your thoughtful postings.
Respectfully submitted,
Hap l9l5 cut off
Can anyone match the two Woodruff Keys mentioned with the standard Woodruff Key sizes in this chart:
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