The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Tons 'o Fun Newer Saginaw upgrade

HI Everybody...

I am still gathering parts for my 1953 1 ton truck, I have a set of 4.10 gears for the rear end and I wanna do disc brakes but also I wanna do a steering upgrade too. Does the newer Saginaw steering boxes make driving these trucks a more manageable experience? I have driven some vintage vehicles and darn they do like to wander around the roadway. I am not looking for something perfect but something that will run down the road in a decent manor.

Any insight would be appreciated.

MikeC

Original box rebuilt and in good shape drives and steers well. Front axle, kingpins, also need to be tight no matter the steering box.

I adapted a power steering gearbox to my 52 1 ton and it sure was nice. However I've decided not necessary, so when the truck is born again along with an engine and transmission upgrade I plan to put in a nice low mileage original manual steering gear box I've collected.

Hi Grigg

That is nice to know actually. I was hoping someone would answer like that. I think I can rebuild an old box a lot easier than figuring all the pieces and parts for a newer saginaw box swap.

Is there a kit to make that original steering column a collapsible one like in the newer motor vehicles we all drive nowadays?

MikeC

There is no kit to make a colapsable steering column. I suppose you could get two of the bearings sold for cutting the column off, a pair of U-joints, and a section of slip shaft, well and a clamp for the column at the floor.

Our international 9000i series trucks use a pretty simple steering setup with 2 U-joints and a slip joint. I think they could easily be modified to fit any vehicle.

https://plus.google.com/photos/1081...1067920578&oid=108197707187186692269

The newer Saginaw boxes work, but figuring out the geometry was the hardest part in my build. I needed it for the heavier motor and clearance. I used a mid 70s dodge 4x4 steering box which was reversed rotation and fabricated a bracket to bolt it to the frame. Right now it's too smooth and I personally like a little resistance and "feel" to the steering, so I'll probably end up changing out the regulator in the pump. Really I would only do it if you absolutely have to.

Here's a mock up photo of the setup
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/...7C-3144-00000126481B60BD_zpse684f992.jpg
Here's the Borgeson joints and shaft I used with a support bearing in the original column
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/...13-2828-000002C01B3A58A1_zps45bcf9e3.jpg

So with the newer steering box...are you guys eliminating the old school drag link from the original truck?

Also how does the reverse rotation thing work??

I love that collapsible steering shaft too..

MikeC

I used a 1996 Chevy p30 axle and drag link, which I had acquired. A lot of head scratching with converting from "dual" to single rear wheel hubs, and shortening the axle beam itself.

If I used a regular gm Saginaw box, the truck will steer to the right if your turn the steering wheel to the left. Hence the "reverse rotation" box that the dodge 4x4 trucks in the mid 70s.

I'm not sure what bolt on kits work with the 1tons. I went my own route with power steering/disc brake conversion

I also figured out my own setup using an IH Scout II steering box and most of an axle from a Chevy 3500HD.