The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Sloppy steering

Can anyone tell me how to tighten up my steering on my 52 chev 1/2 ton PU. All bushings and ball joints have been replaced. I understand there is some adjustment to the steering gear box.

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/shop/1948_51truck/index.htm

Go to section 9 and follow the steps.

FWIW, I rebuilt/restored entire front end and steering box and the steering on my truck is decent, but I would not call it tight. I don't ever think you are going to get steering feel comparable to more modern vehicles unless upgraded equipment is employed.

Hi Green52,

Years ago I rebuilt the stock front suspension on my '56, tie rod ends, king pins, pitman arm, everything in an attempt to fix sloppy steering. Didn't really help much. Finally I adjusted the steering box and the difference was night and day. The other big improvements to handling were addition of a front sway bar and leaf spring liners.

Would have to agree with DavidF that it may never be as precise as a more modern vehicle but I can take my hands off the wheel at freeway speeds and it doesn't wander at all.

I just did the adjustment on my '56 last week. For years I have put up with sloppy steering and finally got around to it. What a difference. Also the steering wheel was hard to turn compared to my Suburban. I attributed it to the short fat tires. Nope. It was the box being out of adjustment.

Correct it doesn't drive like a modern car. But it drives like a sweet old truck should now.

Grandpa: Yes, my truck steering is similar. It tracks well without a lot of minor steering adjustments. The times I notice a big difference from modern vehicles is on winding roads. The transition from straight to left or right hand sweeper is delayed and a bit unnerving at speed. This I attribute the technology of the day. Otherwise, the truck steers nicely for the most part.

BTW, this truck is the only non BMW vehicle I own or have owned for many years. I mention this just as a point of reference to my comments on the truck steering. For a vintage truck, it good, but compared to my BMW's, not so good.

My 1 Ton probably steers a little better than when it was new because of the modern tubeless radials. I don't have any wander problems or shakes. What I have to get used to each spring is the long steering ratio. What would take less than a finger width of movement on a modern car translates into inches on the old design.