I have a 55 F100 with a Speedway Mustang II kit with power rack. It seems like it wants to wander and when turning it is jerking. I have a cheap and I mean cheap tilt column. I plan on replacing the column whit a Jeep column that my son found ( I don't trust the aftermarket ones). My question is would the column cause this and or should I place a heim joint on the steering rods? Sway bar? I intend to go to a shockwave set up this winter. Thanks!

 

Is the steering rack low on fluid? Just a thought?

 

Have you had the wheel alignment done , or is this a new install ?

 

Yes on the alignment. Install was last year in the fall. So I have not driven it much. I realize that it is not going to be like a new truck.

 

Are you able to post some pics of your suspension setup .
It sounds like geometry issues .
And if it's a speedway kit I wouldn't be surprised .

 

i remember reading somewhere that these aftermarket MII suspensions like to have more caster than what most alignment shops use. Could be you dont have enough caster.

 

Can't add to previous posts regarding steering, but have to ask why you don't trust aftermarket columns? I have used Flaming River and Ididit, both proved to be excellent products.

 

Trying to understand what you mean, do you mean the steering is "notchy" when turning and then when turned it wants to keep turning (poor return to center of the steering wheel)?
If so there could be binding in the steering setup, not sure how many joints or angles you are using to get to the rack. I have also had trash in the system cause this, flushing out the PS fluid took care of it.
I am just guessing that this is your issue since you are talking about replacing the steering column.

 

if you are using a gm style pump you might have to add shims to lower the pressure , the mustang 2 uses a lower pressure ,there is a kit from summit i can get pt number if you need

 

I guess on the column is that I got burnt and afraid to try another. You all have given me a good base line to check things out. I still would like more ideas if you have them. The caster and power steering and fluid could be the problem. This is where I will look first.
THANKS

 

lilrobo, That part number would be great!

 

On the speedway website there is mention of needing inner tie rod extensions if using the kit on a 1953 - 56 f100 to maintain correct geometry .
Were these fitted when you fitted the front end ?

 

If you are toed out, you would tend to wander.

Also, adding more caster should help.... (think of shopping cart wheels - they always want to go straight due to the offset of the wheel axle vs. the axis about the entire wheel assembly rotates (draw two vertical lines through a picture of a shopping cart wheel - 1. through the wheel axis itself and 2. through the axis about which the whole wheel rotates. That offset is caster and creates steering that self centers. The angle vs. vertical is caster angle.

as been touched out... GM power steering pumps put out too much pressure / volume. A volume reducer fitting on the pump works, too for Saginaw style pumps.
Steering will tend to be notchy or twitchy when the pressures aren't compatible.

 

Borgeson Universal Company :: Pumps, Brkts & Hoses :: GM P/S Pump Pressure Reducing Shim Kit :: GM P/S Pump Pressure Valve Shim Kit

 

you wouldnt be able to get the toe anywhere close to spec if the extensions were not put in.