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Sprague steering gear box
Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2025 7:52 pm
by WorldChamp1914
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.
Re: Sprague steering gear box
Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2025 8:25 pm
by Scott_Conger
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?
Re: Sprague steering gear box
Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2025 9:03 pm
by WorldChamp1914
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?……
Re: Sprague steering gear box
Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2025 10:09 am
by DanTreace
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.
Drag link is a model T factory part.
Edit, oops, there was a special rod!
https://share.google/3nl11EmMkYnSVz1S2
Re: Sprague steering gear box
Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2025 11:32 am
by WorldChamp1914
Re: Sprague steering gear box
Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2025 12:26 pm
by DustySpokes
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
Re: Sprague steering gear box
Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2025 12:40 pm
by DanTreace
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.

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Or you can use an APCO spring loaded cap to take up wear too.
Re: Sprague steering gear box
Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2025 12:51 pm
by Mark Gregush
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.
Re: Sprague steering gear box
Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2025 1:11 pm
by TXGOAT2
Too much caster could make the car more unstable backing up.
Re: Sprague steering gear box
Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2025 2:28 pm
by TRDxB2
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

- 20251021_103608.jpg (59.81 KiB) Viewed 221 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