I rebuilt my steering some time ago, but because of paint and stuff today was the first time Ive been abel to take it out of town to see just how it behaved at highway speeds and conditions. I was pleasantly suprised at how well it drove. It has been good for Me around town with very little bump steer or play, but at highway speeds it drives great, I meen you can take your hands off the wheel at 60mph and not wet your self. I had a wonderfull drive, no rattles from fenders, exaust, doors, or anything else for that matter, only wind noise from the poor fit of the wing windows (ventilators) . I realy didnt know how well one of these old girls could be expected to drive , but since lack of money put a MS11 set up out of reach, I read up on the stock set up, then had the king pins replaced B4 I rebuilt the steering box and drag link, replaced the front springs, replaced the tie rod ends and tie rod, replaced the ball studs and pitman arm, replaced the steering column and steering wheel and added a steering dampner. At this point I still have to relplace the front spring pins and bushings (the parts are sitting in My garage). In ending I love the way that it handles as well as the way it sounds, and there aint nothing like a good ole American V-8

 

Congrats! There's nothing wrong with the stock suspension or steering when they are in good shape, as you've just discovered!

 

These old beauties were actually well designed - it is good to rediscover true gems. Congrats on your find.

DW

 

I went the route you went on my 53 f100 with the exception of the steering dampner. I was just wondering how much the dampner helps the steering / handling.

 

I truely agree with everything you said about the drive....except....for the part about taking your hands off the wheel at 60 mph ! lol !

 

Good deal JIM...I was amazed at how nice mine drives too! Nothing at all wrong with the stock setup if in good shape.

We will be expecting some stories and pics about all the great drives you have.......have fun with your NEW truck!

 

I dont realy know if it helps or not, because it was the first thing i did thinking (hoping) that it was all the truck needed. LOL,rolling on the floor,LOL. OK thats when I first got the truck, i was green.

 

OK Jim, thanks for you're candid info. I just realized I may have semi-hijacked your thread. Its just I had forgotten about steering dampners until you refreshed my memory. I'm just curious about how much they might help our old refreshed 1950's suspensions. It would probably be better if I start my own specific thread on this. Thanks again.

 

Looks like I'm going to need to rebuild the steering box on my 50 F1. Can you elaborate a bit on the rebuild?

 

Thanks Jim, You confirmed my thoughts and methods. I too am going that route and I wondered if I was on the right track. I can't wait to get mine up to speed.
mervy49
Earl

 

The stock springs and steering (as you pointed out, with new king pins, bushings, etc.) works pretty well even at low speeds. My wife is about 5'5"- 115lbs soaking wet and she can manuever our '51 just fine. It's a little work in tight spaces but what the heck, it's an old truck!

Wally

1951 F1- "Lucille"

 

Hi 50flathead, Before I started the steering box i got a small book called Ford Steering service, repair, @ modification ( it has a pic. of a steering box on it ) , and a big 1949-50-51 F-1 Shop Manual (MUST HAVE). Both are readily available from most supplyers,I also used the internet to find as much info as i could. The box is realy easy if you follow the adjusments that are in the Ford book. The only special tools i needed was I bought a GOOD ACCURATE (fish weighing type) spring scale to get the preloads correct, as they are 1/4 to 3/4 pounds of pull ect. And i also got a set of reamers from Harbor Freight to do the bushings, since i would probably never use them again (the reamers) As far as parts you can gett all new parts if needed (at the time i think i used Sacramento Vintage ford) or you can trade in your box via core charge and get one already rebuilt. So thats it no need to drive the Drunkin Monkey anymore. Im sure Classic Haulers, Sacramento Vintage Ford, or several other places can set you on the right path. If I did it anyone can do it.PS if i remember corectly i bought the shafts with the gears already on them cause i dont have a press.

 

Thanks Jimmy,
I've owned this truck since 78' but drove it on the highway for the first time in four years Sunday afternoon. After deciding I needed a winter project, I put 225 miles on it and was reminded how bad the steering needed overhauled. I'm planning on owning it forever so I may as well fix everything right. The board will likely be hearing from me quite a bit this winter.
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