The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Steering Considerations

I have a 1950 1/2 ton Chevy PU with original front end. However, I have modified the steering by removing the old pitman arm gear box setup with a rack and pinion connected to a new 3rd party steering column. The steering works very nice, but I do have a questions concerning turning radius.

Does anyone have experience with knowing how much turning angle one needs for the wheels?

What is an ideal maximum 'wheel turning deflection' (for a lack of a better term)? What is a minimum turning angle? When looking down from the top at the front wheels, when turning left or right (with wheels straight being zero degrees), how much of a maximum and minimum angles should I be looking for? A guess would be 45 degrees as a target.

I am afraid I am not getting enough angle with my current set up. I have not driven it yet, so the acid test will be driving and making corners. I figure if someone who has the original steering has an idea what tire angles they get at maximum left or right, it would help me determine if my setup is close or needs adjustment.

Thanks!

Interesting concept, can you post some pix?

I changed the angle of my Pittman arm on my '51 3100 by moving the steering set-up forward a couple of inches (I didn't comfortably fit behind that big steering wheel). The turning ratio or steering geometry didn't seem to be affected.

I have a 53' 3100 series that I have the front end sheetmetal off of so it was easy to check for the information you desire.

First, I cannot guarantee the accruacy of this information as it is not done in any real scientific manner. I had to use some line of sight but I'm a good shot so my "line" is pretty good.

Secondly, I can't say if your 50' model is the same as my 53' but its a pretty good bet that they are as most everything else is the same.

I used a mechanist protractor and had to rely on the front spring as being a straight reference point for straight ahead. The frame is not square and tapers a bit so the springs look like the best reference. Turning the wheel all the way to the left indicates a 40 degree angle to the spring edge. Turning this same (drivers side) wheel all the way to the right indicates a 19-20 degree angle. Frankly this surprises me as I thought it would have been at least 28-30 degrees. My shop manual has little information except that the 3100 series in 52' had a 28.24 ratio steering box. I didn't see the lock to lock info but I'd guess it is 3+.

Again, this is general information using some KY windage and I only hope that it is of some help to you. Good luck on the project and you may be the one advising me before I'm finished with my ordeal.

Richie

I have always adjusted mine to get the max before the tire hits. Keep in mind that the max has to be set with suspension compression in mind. In other words if you hit a bump at full lock tire interferance will be different than when at rest. It won't hurt anything on a 2 wheel drive to go for max. On our off-road race trucks we made them overturn radically to help when we got crossed up.

Have a great day.................................Larry