The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Art Deco steering issues

Our recently purchased 1946 1/2 ton really steers like a truck. Is/are there some things I can do, short of installing a clip from a Mustang/Nova/etc.?
Don't want to go to power steering either. Does a Nova steering gear take much of the slop out of the front end? Would like to have something we can drive on the freeway without spending all my time concentrating on aiming this thing down the road. Your comments would be appreciated...

Have you greased all of the zerks? That helped immensely in my case. You may also want to put some new steering box grease in the steering box.

Do an alignment on it and you should be good to go.

That is... Provided your hardware is still okay. You may need to replace the bushings to tighten things up.

Though, I'm not sure I'd drive that thing on the freeway. I've driven on the freeways in California, and I'd be afraid that I'd get run over...

Great handle, by the way...

Brings a different meaning to "watch out for that tree"...

What kind of tires do you have? Bias-ply or radials? That'll make a difference.
In my case, an alignment kept me heading relatively straight.
Good Luck.

Colin

Radials will help with the ride, too...

Didn't even think about them helping the steering.

What kind of drive train are you running?? Mine won't reach freeway speeds.

The tie rod ends and drag link/pitman arm on these leaves something to be desired. The tie rod ends should be inspected 'cause they can wear out and that'll make the steering pretty sloppy and down right risky. People who have upgraded to modern tie rod ends and replaced the drag link and pitman arm ball stud with two tie rod ends and a threaded sleeve (to make an adjustable drag link) have commented on the steering being much better.

Radial tires will make a huge differance too.

Also, the steering box needs adjustment now and again- that might help tighten things up.

I agree with NM51. Check and repair those rod and drag link ends. throw on a set of radials and drive it. I'm on California freeways all the time. I did change the rear gears to 3.55s but you should be able to keep the orig. stearing setup and enjoy the dirve.

Oh, and one other thing, be sure to check those king pins also.

George

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I'm going to look into upgrading the tie rod ends and changing the bias plys to radials.

Hey, Junky,

Try to get the improved tie rods and ends as shown at:

http://www.classicperform.com/Store/1947_59_Trucks/4754TRHD.htm

You'll have to press the old stuff out of your spindle attachments, but it's worth the effort.

Good Luck!