Early Bronco Steering Box Identification?

[robsim111]

I was wondering if anyone could help me identify this as a 6 or 4 ratio box. I feel like there isn't a S/N identification system, and am hoping anyone can give some insight. I put the pictures in my google drive for quick viewing.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=18egjr_RCEgcC9E36ORtkqxHoA_4vpr41

 

[langester]

Some of those boxes have been modified to be a 4 turn box. The easiest way to find out what you have is to put a pair of vice grips (gently) on the input shaft and count the turns on the box. I am sure someone else will chime in with other thoughts as well.
Good luck!

 

[robsim111]

It's a 4 ratio!

 

[Viperwolf1]

Date code and input shaft says 4 turn.

 

[Broncobowsher]

OK Viper, what's the difference on the input shaft that tells them apart?

 

[Viperwolf1]

OK Viper, what's the difference on the input shaft that tells them apart?

Good thing you asked because I actually got that backwards. It's an early style input shaft. Some time in '76 they went to an input with a groove toward the end.

 

[Broncobowsher]

So if there is a groove around the input shaft that will be a 4-turn box being that it is a late '76 or '77.
Full skinny groove, not the recess for the pinch bolt.

Without the groove it is probably a 6-turn box. Unless it is an early '76 box or one that has been reworked. At which point you would need to know the date on the tag or check by turning it. But assume it is a 6-turn.

I think I got that right.

 

[Viperwolf1]

So if there is a groove around the input shaft that will be a 4-turn box being that it is a late '76 or '77.
Full skinny groove, not the recess for the pinch bolt.

Without the groove it is probably a 6-turn box. Unless it is an early '76 box or one that has been reworked. At which point you would need to know the date on the tag or check by turning it. But assume it is a 6-turn.

I think I got that right.

Correctamundo.