Steering Quality

[55 Fargo]

Hey all, have recently installed new outer tie rod ends, installed an NOS pitman arm tie rod, king pins good and tight.

I did adjust steering box a bit tighter, this box I installed to replace a very worn steering box.

Now I realize the steering wheel should have almost no play for best case scenario, but this still has a bit of play. With radial tires it would be hardly a problem, with bias tires, it is a bit harder if on a rutted or uneven surface like ona bad gravel road.

All in all, it is much much better than at the beginning of reviving this truck.

Here is a short video to demonstrate the amount of play in the wheel..

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHDQfCqsh6c

[desoto1939]

Looked at you video. Is the steering wheel centered on the shaft is the first question.

 

You also have to remember that when our cars and trucks were made the local highways had a berms  or crest to the roadway. so there was a highspot near the center of the road and then it would taper off to the right.  So the steering had to beable to compensation for this type of roadway. 

 

Our modern roads have been designed to be less of slant to the right so there is less of a berm or gradiant.  So when going from a modern car with racknpinion to a old car that doesnot have this setup you will get some play.

 

I think you are ok.  You replaced the sectoer in the steering box but is there any wear in the worm gear on the shaft that mated upto the sector?  You could still have some worn spots on the worm gear on the steering shaft.

 

Just my thoughts on this issue.  When driving down the road are you still going from right to left and fighting the steering wheel or is it still tracking faily easy.

 

Rich HArtung

Desoto1939@aol.com

[55 Fargo]

Looked at you video. Is the steering wheel centered on the shaft is the first question.

 

You also have to remember that when our cars and trucks were made the local highways had a berms  or crest to the roadway. so there was a highspot near the center of the road and then it would taper off to the right.  So the steering had to beable to compensation for this type of roadway. 

 

Our modern roads have been designed to be less of slant to the right so there is less of a berm or gradiant.  So when going from a modern car with racknpinion to a old car that doesnot have this setup you will get some play.

 

I think you are ok.  You replaced the sectoer in the steering box but is there any wear in the worm gear on the shaft that mated upto the sector?  You could still have some worn spots on the worm gear on the steering shaft.

 

Just my thoughts on this issue.  When driving down the road are you still going from right to left and fighting the steering wheel or is it still tracking faily easy.

 

Rich HArtung

Desoto1939@aol.com

hey Rich yes the steering wheel is centered, just had it off center in video. It tracks fantastic on smooth pavement, on hard packed even gravel, but of course, on rutted ridged gravel road you have to "steer" this truck.

My gravel road, as well as many others, are of course very crowned, so just like back in the day.

Rich I just swapped a spare steering box and shaft from a donor truck, installed new seals, that's about it

[HanksB3B]

Looks very good to me !

 

Just the way it was back in the day.  Don't think you can do much better.

 

Hank 

[55 Fargo]

Here we go a drive around my district, steering quality test, so on topic.

I know some might cringe driving in snow, but there is no salt used on these roads, it is actually getting quite cold, it's frozen. Enjoy the ride along...

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-7kqcs3V8k&feature=youtu.be

[HanksB3B]

I'm a country boy now. 

 

Thanks for the ride !

 

Hank 

[Merle Coggins]

NIce video clip. It looks like it's well sanded. I'd rather drive in that then the salt/brine slop we get around here.

[55 Fargo]

I'm a country boy now. 

 

Thanks for the ride !

 

Hank 

Hank, I dwelled in the concrete city for the 1st 43 years of my life....

[55 Fargo]

NIce video clip. It looks like it's well sanded. I'd rather drive in that then the salt/brine slop we get around here.

Merle it's all limestone gravel based roads. The main highways are only a few minutes away. I stay off the highways this time of the year, and do not go into the city, salted roads up the yin yang..

[MBF]

I'd check the drag link and shackles/bushings if you haven't already done so.  I just installed a known good used box in my truck noticed my drag link was quite loose.  I ordered a new one and will have it on this week.  Did you check your toe in and caster settings after replacing the tie rod ends?   Those bias ply tires follow any crack or seam in the road like a dog tracks a squirrel.  When everything is tight and aligned, I'm anxious to see how this drives. Every thing I've done so far has made a difference-I hope this is the last piece of the steering puzzle for awhile.   Mike

[55 Fargo]

I'd check the drag link and shackles/bushings if you haven't already done so.  I just installed a known good used box in my truck noticed my drag link was quite loose.  I ordered a new one and will have it on this week.  Did you check your toe in and caster settings after replacing the tie rod ends?   Those bias ply tires follow any crack or seam in the road like a dog tracks a squirrel.  When everything is tight and aligned, I'm anxious to see how this drives. Every thing I've done so far has made a difference-I hope this is the last piece of the steering puzzle for awhile.   Mike

Hi Mike, drag link is good and tight, was an NOS part. The truck handles quite well even with bias ply tires. Hey try bias on rutted ridged frozen gravel, you'll know about steering..... ps toe in measured by me is approx 1/8 toe-in, will get an alignment is spring