help with steering gear box for 49 B1B

[Harbison]

Accidentally posted in wrong forum.  I think this is where I need to be.  My steering gear and bushings are completely worn out.  Steering wheel has about a 1/3 turn of play in it.  Don't think this old truck saw much pavement in its life.  Any ideas or leads or suggestions on replacing it?   Does it interchange with other Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth vehicles?  The steering is the main obstacle keeping this truck from being back on the road.

Thanks,

Richard

[MartinsB3B]

I bought a car steering box bearing and bushing set for my 52 B3B. The bearings are the same but the oil seal and brass bushings are different. I bought the kit off ebay for around $100.

[John Zellmer]

Had a similar problem with mine. Rockauto wanted about $250 for a basic rebuild. Unfortunately, it was so worn that special machining and re-manufacturing was required. Total cost was about $500. Good luck.

[4852dodge]

Check the tech side there may be a step by step on how to adjust the box.  It may just need to be tightened.

[MBF]

Also check to make sure that your mounting bolts (steering box to mounting bracket, and mounting bracket to chassis) are all there and tight.  I'd also check the cast mounting bracket for cracks.  Another thing to look for is left framerail flexing as well as the drag link and tie rod ends.  Hopefully you'll be able to get by by tightening hardware and adjusting the steering box.   Mike

[JBNeal]

here's some info on parts involved in a steering box rebuild and the steering box adjustment 

[Harbison]

Got a replacement coming!

[MBF]

If you remove the steering wheel, and jack up the truck and support it by the frame (with the front suspension hanging, the boxes can easily be changed by sliding them out/in the bottom.  That way you don't have to mess with removing the floor panels.