The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks '62 steering question

Happy to say that after changing plugs, wires, cleaning the distributor cap, adding some oil cleaner, fuel cleaner and a new air filter my '62 is moving down the road pretty decent now. Still backfires on occasion, but it's getting better as a I continue to tune-up. Anyone out there give me some advice on the steering? I know this is before the days of power steering and it's a whole different deal, but man alive...the steering wheel sure is difficult to turn. So much so it makes me wonder if I need to pay attention to some steering resevoir, or if I'm just underestimating the amount of Hulk-like strength it takes to get in there..particularly when backing it up and angling to the L or R. Whew!

Suggest that you jack up both fromt wheels and see if the steering is still hard to turn. On my '62 the standard steering was in good shape but was so hard to turn especially with the modern wider tires that it was just no fun to drive. I hated it. So last year I converted to power steering. You can't believe how much different an attitude that gave me on the whole truck in general.

Does your truck still have the stock steering wheel? If not, it might have been replaced with a smaller diameter wheel.

With power steering that would not be a problem. With manual steering, the size of the wheel determines how much mechanical advantage (leverage) you have on the steering.

If your steering wheel has been replaced with something smaller,you will have a hard time steering it.

Two options:
1) Go back to an original sized steering wheel, or
2) Convert to power steering.

This may seem simplistic, and I mean no disrespect.Check the tread on the front tires, if worn, replace, also check the tire pressure to ensure proper inflation. I have had multiple rotator cuff surgries in both shoulders.It can be tough steering when at slow speed, but these two items can help alot.

All great suggestions, and once again thanks so much for helping out a newbie. The tires have less than 10,000 and the tread looks good (though they are hideous on this truck...i can't wait to put some good looking "Cokers" on them if I can get this thing moving good)...it has the original stock steering wheel. I'm thinking I may convert over to power steering if the truck turns out to be a keeper!

It's a bear to turn the wheels at low speeds without power steering.

My '62 is manual steer, and after 4 years and more than 40,000 miles, I'm going to work on converting it this summer.

-Brad

There are several companys that have conversions for power steering. Make sure that the kit comes with a steering box and the Correct Idler Arm for your application.
There a lot of kits on the market that say they will convert from a car steering to your truck. Get one that goes on your truck from a truck application. This is a much safer unit. You can also get a complete Front End kit from several places but I would stick with Moog Chassis Parts like the orginal came with. You can get this setup from Early Classic Enterprises in Fresno Calif. They have a website so you can look at their quality and its All American Made the best part.
I did mind and it came out perfect.
62Blue
Don

Try to get a complete pwoer steering coversion kit. Some kits omit the power steering lines, which means you either have to go junk yard hunting or have to buy new, providing you know the correct lengths. Also, if you have a saddle front motor mount, you have to notch it to get the pump bracket to fit, but that is not a big deal.

I'm going nutty looking for a power steering pump bracket to fit the 235. Lots of the sources guys have mentioned only have an sbc application. Any ideas?