Sprague steering gear box
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WorldChamp1914
Topic author - Posts: 390
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Sprague steering gear box
Who has used one?….Does it require more turns of the wheel? One time I was backing up a steep driveway at a local historic mansion and the steering wheel whipped in my hands, that’s why I want to use one.
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Scott_Conger
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Re: Sprague steering gear box
Yeah, the old "back up the steep hill" routine was almost certainly more folklore and wives' tale than much of a frequent reality. Your experience illustrates exactly why I believe that is the case.
I cannot imagine your expecting to do that on such a regular basis to warrant the expense and effort of a steering box, but who am I to say?
I cannot imagine your expecting to do that on such a regular basis to warrant the expense and effort of a steering box, but who am I to say?
Scott Conger
Tyranny under the guise of law is still Tyranny
NH Full Flow Float Valves™
Obsolete carburetor parts manufactured
Tyranny under the guise of law is still Tyranny
NH Full Flow Float Valves™
Obsolete carburetor parts manufactured
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WorldChamp1914
Topic author - Posts: 390
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Re: Sprague steering gear box
I bought it a long time ago from Max Edmonds, the price was reasonable…..It came with a Model A drag link but it is slightly bent…..I wonder if Sprague provided a drag link and wonder what is looks like?……
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DanTreace
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Re: Sprague steering gear box
Older post on Sprague units. Photos of one installed, post has links to other posts from 2012, lots of pics there too.
Said to have 2 1/2 turns of the steering wheel, lock to lock.
https://share.google/3nl11EmMkYnSVz1S2
Said to have 2 1/2 turns of the steering wheel, lock to lock.
Edit, oops, there was a special rod!Drag link is a model T factory part.
https://share.google/3nl11EmMkYnSVz1S2
Last edited by DanTreace on Fri Dec 12, 2025 12:33 pm, edited 1 time in total.
The best way is always the simplest. The attics of the world are cluttered up with complicated failures. Henry Ford
Don’t find fault, find a remedy; anybody can complain. Henry Ford
Don’t find fault, find a remedy; anybody can complain. Henry Ford
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WorldChamp1914
Topic author - Posts: 390
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DustySpokes
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Re: Sprague steering gear box
I too would appreciate at least seeing an original and proper factory made spring loaded rod. Indeed, one could likely make a Model A one work, but being a purist at heart, an original would be pretty cool to use. -Dusty
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DanTreace
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Re: Sprague steering gear box
This is close up of the Sprague drag link spring loaded piece on the pitman arm.
FYI, Dennis Fleming has a center door with this accessory steering gear, have seen the car in his T barn.
Or you can use an APCO spring loaded cap to take up wear too.
FYI, Dennis Fleming has a center door with this accessory steering gear, have seen the car in his T barn.
- 265318.jpeg (30.57 KiB) Viewed 200 times
Or you can use an APCO spring loaded cap to take up wear too.
Last edited by DanTreace on Fri Dec 12, 2025 1:01 pm, edited 1 time in total.
The best way is always the simplest. The attics of the world are cluttered up with complicated failures. Henry Ford
Don’t find fault, find a remedy; anybody can complain. Henry Ford
Don’t find fault, find a remedy; anybody can complain. Henry Ford
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Mark Gregush
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Re: Sprague steering gear box
Another option would be to use a Chevrolet 490 cross steer box and build a mount for it. The ball on the pitman arm is about the same size.
I know the voices aren't real but damn they have some good ideas! 
1925 Cut down pickup
1948 Ford F2 pickup
1925 Cut down pickup
1948 Ford F2 pickup
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TXGOAT2
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Re: Sprague steering gear box
Too much caster could make the car more unstable backing up.
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TRDxB2
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Re: Sprague steering gear box
A year or so ago Hank Lee sold a Vega Box kit - everything needed (had to make you own support bracket with the instructions). Maybe he has one left
https://mtfca.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php? ... box#p16404
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Vega Box on Mark's Doodle Bug
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There are 2-1 quick steer boxes that can be put on in backwards to make Model T 8-1 or 10-1 steering ratio
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Search?q ... Components
https://mtfca.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php? ... box#p16404
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Vega Box on Mark's Doodle Bug
- 20251021_103608.jpg (59.81 KiB) Viewed 177 times
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There are 2-1 quick steer boxes that can be put on in backwards to make Model T 8-1 or 10-1 steering ratio
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Search?q ... Components
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