Power Steering Question

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Dec 15, 2019 | 02:27 PM

jadozzo

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Dec 2019

Posts: 6

Likes: 0

Power Steering Question

Hello All,

We just bought a 47 Ford pickup, I believe it's a 1/2 ton... It's a bit in-between original and modified; body, frame, interior and suspension all pretty original. Drivetrain is 351C with a 4 speed. Rear end is original.

My wife really wants to drive this so I'm in the middle of an AOD swap and next would be power steering. I saw the discussion on a Toyota box swap into a 48. Would that work for a 47 as well?

Anyone tried that or have another solution or suggestion?

Many thanks!

Joe

Dec 15, 2019 | 02:44 PM

Rust Wrangler

Tuned

Joined: Jan 2016

Posts: 333

Likes: 9

From: Oregon

The Toyota conversion is intended for traditional type steering. Your truck utilizes cross steering. I'm not aware of any options available for changing out the original steering box to one with power without completely modifying the original steering components to make something work.....unfortunately.

Dec 15, 2019 | 03:00 PM

jadozzo

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Dec 2019

Posts: 6

Likes: 0

Thanks! But now I need to go look up what "cross steering" is - I have not heard that term before.. I learn something new every day.

If I could ask, what are you using in your 46 pickup project?

Dec 15, 2019 | 06:53 PM

Rust Wrangler

Tuned

Joined: Jan 2016

Posts: 333

Likes: 9

From: Oregon

Cross steer has the drag link running laterally across the chassis where it connects to the steering arm of the right spindle.
My pickup is pretty much factory stock, except for the the engine, trans. and rear end. I rebuilt the factory steering box and related components and am running 6.00-16 tires on the front, so easy steering and no need for power assist.

Dec 15, 2019 | 07:11 PM

jadozzo

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Dec 2019

Posts: 6

Likes: 0

That's very interesting, thanks again! Right now, mine takes significant effort to turn the steering wheel.

I'd be just as happy if I could make the factory / original parts work.

Dec 16, 2019 | 02:59 PM

Rust Wrangler

Tuned

Joined: Jan 2016

Posts: 333

Likes: 9

From: Oregon

Some thoughts....steering boxes in these trucks were never intended for radials or wide tires, running them will increase steering effort and stress on the box internals and frame mount. It's also critical the wheel rims have the correct amount of back space so as not to increase the scrub radius through the king pins. Any of these things will substantially increase steering effort. You should try to determine if there is any binding in any components by jacking up the front end and isolating the wheels from the pavement. It's not uncommon to find the king pins binding up in the bushings from lack of lube or the spindle thrust bearings being bad. There could also be binding in the box itself, so need to verify proper mesh adjustment for the sector and worm gears and the preload on the worm gear bearings/races isn't too tight. It's also possible for the sector shaft to bind in it's bushings from lack of lube or congealing of old lube. I've also seen badly worn upper steering shaft bearings cause binding due to the ***** in the bearing attempting to stack up onto themselves. Just some things to check. Good luck!