Steering box rebuild question

[Charles Furman]

My 1949 B1B108 has a play in the steering box. Before I adjusted it I was wandering all over the road like a drunk, and since I have been known to have a beer or two now and then that was not a good situation.

Anyway, after I did all the shimming things it still has a slight amount of wander. It's not intolerable, but it isn't right and it makes me crazy.

Anyone know of a reputable company that rebuilds these steering boxes. Or can any one suggest another solution?

Thanks,

Charles

[Dave72dt]

Check all the steering and suspension components for slop or binding. Check your toe adjustment. Worn tires can also do this.

[Dodgeb4ya]

Check caster too.

[MBF]

I just did my front end (king pins, tires, rebuilt steering box). Check for a defective tire that may be coming apart. You'll notice a deformed tread as you roll the tire while its elevated. Next check wheel bearings for loosness. From there I'd get a bar and pry on all of the front suspension components looking for something that is loose. (King pins, tie rod ends, drag link ends). Then check the mounting for the steering box to the frame-make sure the bolts are tight from the box to the bracket, and the bracket to the frame. Also check the steering box mounting bracket for cracks. Next I'd check the front shackles for play side to side. On last thing to eliminate is frame deflection. With the truck sitting on the ground, have someone rock the steering wheel (while the wheels are straight ahead) side to side while your under the truck. Watch for movement in the steering box, shackles where they mount to the frame, and for left frame rail deflection. All of these things add up. Mike

Edited March 9, 2012 by MBFowler

[SmokinStanley]

If all your other steering box components are good, look up 'Redhead Steering' in Seattle. They build great boxes and have been in the biz for a long time. It's a small, family operation, so you always talk to someone knowledgeable. They have built boxes for my Jeeps in the past that were top-notch.

[John-T-53]

If you resort to a box rebuild, the place I've dealt with is Lares corporation in Michigan: http://www.larescorp.com/

I bought a rebuilt steering box outright from them for my Chevy 15 years ago, everything was cool.

I called about the gear boxes for our trucks and they don't stock 'em but can rebuild them.