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Joined: Sep 2010
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I installed a tow bar on the 49 frame tonight - had to fab up the mounts as A frame was missing it when given to me.

https://picasaweb.google.com/wmhatfield/Frame#5638653603290071106

Got it all attached and hooked up to the jeep.

https://picasaweb.google.com/wmhatfield/Frame#5638653627050470402

It pulled straight out of the garage no problem. But as soon as I went to turn right out of the driveway, the front wheels turned hard left - and skidded as I pulled it.

I tried a second time after straightening out the wheels - no luck.

Is there a trick to this?

Mark

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is the steering box connected?

if not attach a pair of HD Rubber Bungies to the steering arm to have a "return to centre method" attached to both sides of the frame rails...Hope this works....

Dave


My GMC has a bad case of ship fitters disease!
GMC: Get More Cash...
1958 GMC
1956 Chevy 1500 Hydraulic Dump Truck
1952 Chevy 1700 3-Ton Firetruck

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No - the box isn't connected. Does the box really supply that much resistance? I'll put it back on if so.

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They are impossible to tow without a steering box unless you chain the tie rod. When I tow one with a steering box, I tie a rope to the door post so the steering wheel can turn less than a third of a turn. I have towed them without a steering box by putting a clamp on the tie rod in the middle and then running a chain to each spring shackle when the wheels are straight ahead. I leave just a little slack in the chain. You don't need much slack to turn a city block. Even if you drag the tires a little on a turn, that is better then having the thing loose. Its good you didn't go down the road with it. I have seen them go from lock to lock and pull the towing vehicle off the road

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How about a trailer??


~Jim
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You don't have enough weight on it to worry to much. I would lock them straight ahead and drag it around corners. You not planning a cross country trip with, are you?

Joe

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Thanks guys,

No - not going far - to and from sandblasting and likely a few other stops in the next few years while I restore.

As for trailer, I don't have access to one - and don't care to rent one every time I need to move the truck. If this works its the most cost effective way.

My test trip was to be around the block, but the steering stopped that!

So with minimal travel left and right, it should straighten out when I go straight? Any benefit to reattaching the steering box?

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I had the same problem. I never did solve it. It was okay if I kept the speed up. If not, I had to get out, straighten the wheels, and pull until the next corner, where it all had to be repeated. Luckily, I only had to move it a few times a year. Finishing the truck made the problem go away.

Good luck!


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Get a piece of pipe long enough to reach the bellhousing cross menber to about 3 feet in front of the bumper brackets and make a tongue like a trailer and tow with the front wheels off.Save the towbar for when you get the truck back together.


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Along this line of thought, is it possible to tow an entire 3100 on a wheeled tow dolley or does the torque tube negate that idea?


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Originally Posted by tntrucknut
Get a piece of pipe long enough to reach the bellhousing cross menber to about 3 feet in front of the bumper brackets and make a tongue like a trailer and tow with the front wheels off.Save the towbar for when you get the truck back together.


You know, I was thinking of doing that - but was concerned that the bare frame, even w/o the engine would still exert too much tongue weight on the hitch, don't you think? I can lift a trailer by the hitch - there's no WAY I can lift that frame!

I reattached the steering box/wheel last night. I'll give it a test tonight and report back. Maybe with video!

Mark

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Originally Posted by TooMany2count
You should be able to do it that way. From what I can see the frame itself weighs less the 500 pounds....joe

page 53-54


Help me out Joe - looking at page 54 - how do I add up the weight?

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'Bolter
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That was pretty neat. How did you get it back in the driveway?


1951 GMC 1 Ton Flatbed -- It is finally on the road and what a great time I have driving it!
1951 1 Ton Completed


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Unhooked and had the teenage girl across the street steer it as I pushed it up the driveway and into the garage!


Moderated by  Gdads51 

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