For Best Steering What Maintenance?

[DavidJose1]

Hello fellow mopar champions,

 

I have been working on getting my car to handle better. I added 17 inch wheels in front and still have to do an alignment but wanted to get new tie rods first (completed). I want to get the king pins done, add in a new mount for steering column to stabilize. Is there anything else you guys can think of like bushings and such and do you know what I need to make steering tight. The tie rods were definitely huge. Also would you guys know if where we can get good shocks for the front as I see I have the old dated and beat up shocks 

[desoto1939]

go to the MOnroe shock webpage and do some searching on their site. I do know  do a search around the 1946 years.  All of the shocks that they say fit were good from approx 1939 up to in the 50's.

 

Since you have put on 17 inch tires do sure if this will affect the length of travel that you will need on the shocks.  Also you can get these shocks at good prices if you know the Monroe shock number. There is someone selling rear shocks a pair for over $300 on ebay that is highwasy robbery.  I got fonts for the 39 Desoto and they were MOnroes froma Napa store for arounf $37-40 each.  So I spent $75 and save $200 plus dollars and also shipping. So do your homework.

 

Also how much play to you have in the steeringbox? This might also need to be rebuilt. 

 

Also rebuilding the upper and lower control arm bushing will also improve the handeling along with the alignment.

 

Rich hartung

Desoto1939@aol.com

[Loren]

Do a search for posts on steering gear work.

describing what to do takes too long to repeat. Basically you will want to change the seal on your steering box ( they leak and allow the gears to run dry ). Do not touch the gear engagement adjustment on top, you’ll only make things worse. The key adjustment is the bearing preload. Grab your steering wheel and pull up ( towards you ) and push downward, if there’s any movement it will show up in the car wandering. 

[Sniper]

Not sure when MoPar went to mounted the upper shock mount to the frame, rather than the upper control arm.  Many have relocated that mount to the frame to improve shock performance.  There are a number of threads here detailing what people have done.

 

For myself, I just got the collapsed and extended length numbers from the stock shock then perused Speedway Motors online catalog using those numbers as the search criteria.  I was able to find a set of modern gas charged performance shocks that fit the stock shock location after I drilled out the mounting bushings from 1/2" to 5/8".  A substantially improved setup, imo.  Is it as optimal as relocating the upper mount and using a similar shock in that setup?  Nope, it it much better, yes. 

 

As for the steering, others mentioned tie rods, yes they wear so inspect and replace as needed.  Another spot to check is the steering box mounting bolts.  two of mine were loose.