Ok film at eleven. I have taken some pics and will post later(honest)I know how everyone likes pics just like me. But the question now I am putting the old drag link back on until I do the leaf springs. On the drag link is there springs in the stock link. The instructions for the new link say to tighten the ends up compressing the springs and then turn back some well my stock drag link has no springs . Hell I have been driving it like this for awhile . I get ahead of myself sometimes. I installed the 400 series power steering box and will install the new down and forward springs in a couple more weeks.1955 f-100
Thanks for the help. I will sit back and have a beer and await all the knowledge

 

I have a 54 f100 and just put in the spring and stuff. I had a lot of play in the steering and one of the springs was broken! Don't know how long it was that way. Feels much better. Art

 

Thank you for getting back to me. I went ahead and removed the other end (spindle) and low and behold thar she was the old spring. It is just me or does anyone else want to shoot (not literally maybe)the p o's of these trucks. If I don't have the skill or knowledge to do something I will ask or hire it out. Now to find the springs while I am waiting I will take some pic's and learn how to post. Thanks again 54

 

Had springs ,cups, and end screws from Mid-Fifty in the kit. $16.95 I think. Per end. Art and some candy!

 

I found this pic on the net for a 54, Im pretty sure yours is the same. "EDIT" Sorry that's a 48, but here is one for a 54 I think there the same.oops

 

Yes they are the same. I am going to order the kit from mid fifty this morn but first try an old parts house who knows. Thank you for the exploded view Jim the one you get with the drag link is from mid fifty is as blurry as a night after drinking also my new drag link is not welded straight I will have to talk to them about that.

 

OK ! got the new power steering working. It is tight as in will not self center after a turn.Should I give it a few miles to loosen up ? This is the series 400 from mid-fifty/cpp. If I can put it in anyone can. Can't say enough about the ease of installation. Will try and get pics at a later date.

 

carefully note the order of parts is NOT the same on both ends!
Also the drag link should not be straight it has a slight bend in it, make sure you put the bend in the right position or the tire will hit the drag link at full left turn.
Did you not get a print catalog from Mid Fifty with your order? Mine isn't their newest, but the drag link exploded view is as clear as Jim's lower one in my catalog.
I don't know any PS that will self center sitting still. If it does not self center while moving, you likely do not have enough caster. I assume you put in new (down and forward?) springs in it since you have the extended drag link. If so did you put in any caster shims between the axle and springs? The down and forward springs with PS usually want two shims on each side, both installed to INCREASE the top back lean of the axle (increase caster) If using more than 1 shim (recommended) be sure the spring centerbolt head is long enough to extend fully through the shims and solidly index into the hole in the top of the axle. If not, MF sells extended head centerbolts to correct that. If changing the centerbolts do an advanced search on this forum, my user name (capitalize AX) and "spring disassemble" as the key words, I have posted a number of times how to do it safely. It can be done on the truck with new springs, put 2 large HD C clamps on the spring one on each side of the centerbolt before removing it and replace with the new one before removing the clamps.

 

Ax I understand the sitting still part. I have the old springs in at this time and am getting ready to install the new down and forward hence the stock drag link and no the pic in mid fifty is blurry in my catalog but Jims pic did help me out. I was wondering if anyone on this forum has used the new steer box and put it in a53 /56 frame ? The down and forward springs and sway bar will be next.

 

Even as built, the front end was caster challenged. Done on purpose because it made tight slow speed steering easier without power assist for such tasks as parallel parking and negotiating rough rutted roads or non roads. For today's highways and speeds along with radial tires even a completely restored stock front end will drive better with a pair of caster shims added. Also be sure to check the ball that connects the steering arm to the drag link for any wear, roughness or out of round. If there is any sign of wear replace the ball.

 

I checked the king pins and I need to replace them. The ball ends are good. Will check on how much caster I need and go from there. I am doing everything in stages so that I can pinpoint any problems that might arise. Thanks again for all comments from everyone. Most helpful.

 

Took a couple months but then it was cool in the shop. Finished the front end yesterday put it back down on the ground and low and behold it is about 3" lower just like they said it would be. I am pleased now the only thing left is check on some issues with the steering column I think that it is binding because the spacers with the series 400 unit were different than the Toyota adapter.Steering still does not return to center I will figure it out. Any knowledge thrown this way will be used with great pleasure. Thanks Art

 

OK now it is April 27th and I have just fixed the problem (I Hope) on self center after a turn. IT WORKS !!!!. I am happy. Long story short the column was not aligned with the steering box after I installed the series 400. I thought that it could be a problem but did not know until I moved the column over about 1". I think that the truck had power steer (toy box) until I was wanting to buy it then it mysteriously left since it had the toy box bracket. Anyway I can't be more happy that it will center after a turn. Nothing better than fixing a problem without spending a lot of cash. Thanks Art