Power Steering option for 56?

kdmcinnes · #1 (**permalink**) 10-30-2009, 03:33 PM

O.K., I am tearing the truck apart again for the winter, I am getting ready to lower it and trying to get all of my options in front of me. I would really like to go with a dropped axel, disc break conversion, and power steering as to I have a stock frame and suspension under it right now. Volare parts seem to be hard to find anymore, everyone seems to have a mustang II, and have even considered the Crown Vic swap. I quess my question is what is the best option for Power steering, disc brakes and the dropped axel. Does the Toyota box work well and can it be mated with the stock steering column? Or what about the GM Conversion, can it be mated with the stock column with u joints? Any imput would make my headache go away.

Thanks,
Kyle

jaye · #2 (**permalink**) 10-30-2009, 04:20 PM

I can't speak for the ride of IFSs I have an original axle stretched with the Toyota steering box & Ididit steering column. When I first did the toy box I mated the original steering column to it from the inside it looked original, later I wanted the tilt column so I went with Ididit, mine was only about $225 that was a long time ago. The ride on mine is pretty good I replaced all the front suspension parts t include brackets, and king pins, my leafs were OK so I just replaced the main leafs. I often drive to work which is on the freeway getting up to 70-75mph still smooth.

kdmcinnes · #3 (**permalink**) 10-30-2009, 04:41 PM

Do you have to use a power steering pump with the toyota, if so which one

fish-albuq · #4 (**permalink**) 10-30-2009, 10:09 PM

Not sure of the years it will work on though but i have a new toyota box that i was gonna put on my 49.

kdmcinnes · #5 (**permalink**) 10-30-2009, 11:50 PM

after doing a little research, I have decided to go with the Toyota box. I hear it is pretty straight forward and works great with a dropped axel. Now I just need to find the dropped axel, MF said they were out because the manufacurer had a camber issue and they are waiting for a new batch. I am excited about getting back to work on old Riff Raff!

AXracer · #6 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 12:25 PM

These people drop axles right: Dropped front axles
Stick with a 2-3" drop to avoid tie rod interference. 3" with reversed eye lowering spings and you'll knock over a beer can. If you are going to stay with the stock springs, remove every other leaf as per MF catalog instructions and install their plastic strips between the leafs. DON'T paint the springs! You can use the forward centerbolt springs and extended drag link with the Toy box if you'd like to move the front axle forwards to better center the wheels in the fender arches.

Good choice on the steering box! Here's an article we did on the Toy box install: Toyota Steering Box Swap For 1948-1960 Trucks .: Articles
A good place to get a Toy box is from Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market. Be sure to get the hose fittings with it.

AFA pump, any pump will work except for those from a car with R&P steering (pressure too low) and from the 60-70's land barges (pressure too high) Pick one based on what PS pump mount you can find for your engine.

Note: after you cut the OEM steering box off the column send it to MF, they will buy it from you.

jaye · #7 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 05:52 PM

That's where I got my drop axle Dave Mann from roadsters.com fit like a charm; I used a power sterring pump from a 70s mustang which mounted perfectly on my 71 302.

kdmcinnes · #8 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 11:00 PM

Awsome imput, you all have been very helpful!