The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline 1949 Steering slop 2 part question

I have about an 1/8 to a 1/4 of a turn of slop in my steering when I have some one turn the wheel to try and see where the slop is the onlt part that moves is the arm that drops down from the steering box to the drag link, should I assume that all that needs to be replaced or is there an adjustment directly in the steering box ? thank you guys

question 2 should I try to keep my 49 all stock and origional or should I rip it apart and set it on a modern chassis ? Ive been getting a lot of flack from guys stating that "that stuff is old out dated and needs to be replaced" my opinion is no one is doing that stuff any more so I want to keep mine origional, my reply is theres a reason no one is keeping them origional any more so im lost thank you all for your time

Have you done the steering gear/assembly adjustments as described in the Shop Manual?

no I havent ordered one yet are they on ebay ?

When you are asked about original verses modified, think real hard about what you intend to with the truck once it is road worthy. If you plan on road racing, parking lot racing, drag racing, street racing, or just terrible driving in general, then yes modify it for yours and the safety of those around you. But, before going down that road, I strongly suggest getting some drive time in it to be sure you even want the thing. It is a truck after all. It will always be a truck, ride like a truck, and handle like a truck, and is nothing like a modern truck!

On the other hand, if you plan to drive it like it's meant to be driven, then stock is plenty good. Updating the brakes is worth the money if, and this is a big if, you are not willing to put in the time to properly mate the shoes and drums, and adjust for correct contact. Stock brake are more then adequate if set up properly.

As for steering, go here and read the shop manual, http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com .

thank you joe H I figure a sunday drive to dairy queen or something

Please clarify your description a little. The arm from the steering gear to the drag link is called a "Pitman Arm". If it is moving as you turn the wheel, and the drag link isn't, there is an adjustment possible on both ends of the drag link to tighten up the slop in the link. You'll need a special tool called a "drag link socket" that resembles a huge straight screwdriver blade on a 1/2" drive socket. Remove the cotter pins in both ends of the drag link, insert the socket into the slot and tighten the plug firmly. Then back off to the closest cotter pin hole (there will be several) and insert a NEW cotter pin. Do the same thing on the other end of the drag link.

The tie rod between the front spindles will have similar adjustable ends unless someone has replaced them with modern style tie rod ends. Adjust them the same way. You'll probably need a smaller tool of the same design for the tie rod ends.

If there is free motion of the steering wheel before the Pitman arm starts to move, there's a different adjustment procedure for that looseness.
Jerry

Shop Manual for the '48-'51, which covers all the adjustments in the steering, including the adjustments Jerry speaks of.
On your second question, properly rebuilt and maintained stock suspension and steering will work just fine for most driving.

jp, I just disassembled my steering box and am getting ready to put it back together next week.

Before I pulled it apart, I did the two external adjustments on the gearbox just to see how much of a difference it would make, and it was a pretty significant difference- my steering wheel went from about an 1/8 turn of slop to less than a 1/4 inch of slop, just in the gearbox. I don't think it had ever been adjusted. While you're at it you can put the proper lube in there too.

I converted to modern tie rod ends, as the old adjustable type worry me a little...but if you've got the old style, then they probably have plenty of play in them- just follow Jerry's instructions.

thank you guys for all the input
also Hotrod lincoln can i order that tool off of e bay ??

There's usually several of them on Ebay- - - -search for "drag link socket". When I was teaching auto mechanics I had several of them, and on occasion it was necessary to grind one to fit a specific size of slot. Be sure you have a VERY snug fit that fills the entire width of the slot to avoid damaging the tie rod end or drag link.

Edit: I just counted more than 50 of them on Ebay- - - -some with very reasonable prices. Used ones are good- - - -they're hard to wear out!
Jerry