Introduction of 400 type steering box
 

Does anyone know what date the larger type 400 steering box (and 6" steering ends) were introduced on Ford CMPs? I think it must have been some time in 1943 or early 1944, along with other detail changes such as "Ford Canada" stamped into the front shell.

Up to that point of course even the 3-ton models had the lighter type 375 steering box and small steering ends, which proved inadequate.

There must have been a fair bit of correspondence between the military and factory about failures and the need to do something about it.

Does someone have a service bulletin they can share with us?

Steering box and front shell stamps
 

Great question Keefy.. Id also be interested in the answers if anyone knows anything :confused

Keith
 

What are the part numbers for the 350 series, and the 400 series boxes please?

350 box from the F15A illustrated parts list May 1943

*C01QF-3503 : Gear - steering assembly. Used to motor serial #2G-6921F.
*C011WQF-3503 : Gear - steering assembly. Used from motor serial #2G-6922-F to motor serial #5579.
*C11QF-3503-A : Gear - steering assembly. Used from motor serial #5580.

Lauren / Keith
 

I have a copy of the (common?)blue covered 1940 to 1942 book which on page 66 lists 2 more options, and on pages 68 and 69 lists 2 conversion kits "Used to convert vehicles in the field, from truck type steering to the larger bus type steering". There is also a kit to raise the CO1QF steering by one inch.
I believe some models of these steering boxes would have been made by Gemmer engineering, as they have close similarities with the Gemmer boxes found in 3/4 ton WC series Dodges of the same era.