I'm picking up a '58 F-100 4x4 this weekend. I am seriously stoked.

The seller told me the steering wheel is sloppy but the steering is tight. Of course it is. So, do I need any special tools to rebuild the steering box? Or should I just order a remanufactured one?

I suppose I could get lucky and the steering needs adjustment....but even then it's only a stop gap.




No worries...pics will be posted ASAP.

 

Car steering wholesale web site has rebuilt steering boxes. spendy but the rebuilg kit i found was over 500 dollars

 

You don't have the tuck yet? Could be anything. Sellers often misdiagnose problems. That was the case with my '59. The steering was very loose and she wiggled going down the road.

My problem was a bent tie rod and worn out wheel bearings. Steering was just fine.

 

I have the truck. I picked it up that weekend. The steering wheel goes from 1 O'clock to about 7:30 before it moves the tires.

 

Typical Ford truck loosy-goosy manual steering, having a minimum of 4" of play is rather common.

redheadsteeringgears.com in Seattle WA will rebuild your gearbox.

The thing is, since the steering shaft (3524) goes directly into the gearbox, you have to pull the steering column and the gearbox as a unit.

But first, you have to disconnect the shift linkage (unless a 4 speed), remove the steering wheel and disconnect the draglink from the Pitman Arm.

Unless you get lucky and can wiggle the steering wheel off, you'll need a steering wheel puller. You'll also need a pickle fork aka Pitman Arm (3590) puller.

 

Hi all, not sure if it’s wise to reply to a five year old thread or not, but here goes lol. Lots of great info here, just wish that “Earls World” was still available!! Anyhow, any special tools needed to rebuild the manual gear box on 57-60 ie: presses etc? Looks pretty straight forward and I just might tackle it if I can’t find an old Toyota manual box from a junkyard. Thanks!!

 

Factory installed 4WD was introduced in 1959 F100/250's. If your truck is a 1958, it's an aftermarket 4WD conversion, possibly by Marmon-Herrington.

1959/60 F100/250 4WD's use a different steering gear box than 2WD's.