Rack and Pinion Steering?
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 288
Likes: 0
From: Agua Dulce, So. Calif.
Originally posted by Fordication
Ok then it is more or less required that you have power steering to drive one of these trucks even with rack and pinion? Ed
Ok then it is more or less required that you have power steering to drive one of these trucks even with rack and pinion? Ed
Good luck Ed ke6bnl
New User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Rosenberg, Texas
Friday, I sent out several emails to various "STEERING & Parts" shops. I asked them the same questions. When I get a reply I will forward to this post.
Questions asked:
1. Is there another application for powersteering on a 48-56 instead of IFS or Toyota?
2. Is there a bracket, either bolt-on or weld, that will allow a rack & pinion to be used on 48-56 f1/f100?
Will let y'all know what I find out.
Andrew
Questions asked:
1. Is there another application for powersteering on a 48-56 instead of IFS or Toyota?
2. Is there a bracket, either bolt-on or weld, that will allow a rack & pinion to be used on 48-56 f1/f100?
Will let y'all know what I find out.
Andrew
New User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Rosenberg, Texas
After posting last reply I remembered another site that had the following answer to the same question.
Here's one response;
"the Corvair steering box, especially the aluminum version, since these boxes were never designed for a vehicle as heavy in the front end as your truck. A '67-'68 Mustang box would be a lot better choice. I've got a good one you can have for the shipping cost. Actually, the original box in this truck is a good one if it's not worn out. They used to be popular on '32-'34 Ford hot rods. Rebuilding the original box might be worth considering. The old "bug eye" Dodge A-100 vans back in the 60's also had a really good steering box for a push-pull drag link application. Seems like I remember Rod & Custom back in the 60's did a tech article on putting one of these boxes in a late 40's-early 50's F1."
Hope this helps
Andrew
Here's one response;
"the Corvair steering box, especially the aluminum version, since these boxes were never designed for a vehicle as heavy in the front end as your truck. A '67-'68 Mustang box would be a lot better choice. I've got a good one you can have for the shipping cost. Actually, the original box in this truck is a good one if it's not worn out. They used to be popular on '32-'34 Ford hot rods. Rebuilding the original box might be worth considering. The old "bug eye" Dodge A-100 vans back in the 60's also had a really good steering box for a push-pull drag link application. Seems like I remember Rod & Custom back in the 60's did a tech article on putting one of these boxes in a late 40's-early 50's F1."
Hope this helps
Andrew
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 960
Likes: 5
From: Spring Texas
Honestly I am still confused. Is the manual R&P suffiecient enough to do everyday driving? I am not weak but I do like conveneince. Although I am sure that I have driven a standard no PS car, I do not remember how bad it was. I do know that what my truck has now is impossible. BTW I am thinking of you guys while I drink my next Polar Ice. GO Figure. Ed
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Hudson, Ohio
Got a friend with a 31 roadster, uses a tube axle with a manual rack. R&P is mounted directly to the axle. he used a slide joint to connect the column to the steering spline (Borgenson makes them and Flaming river, I saw em in one of the comic books) this slides in and out with the suspension travel. You are wondering,Is it safe? well the '31 goes 9.95 1/4 mile and 2 foot wheelstands, Yahoo! Car has been set up like this for 4 years and no problems, It is street driven too (sometimes)
Saw the same set up at a local cruise mounted to a tube axle on a gasser style 39 Chev.
I don't see why this would not work on an Effie, better find a good welder though if you plan to use the I beam.
Dave
Saw the same set up at a local cruise mounted to a tube axle on a gasser style 39 Chev.
I don't see why this would not work on an Effie, better find a good welder though if you plan to use the I beam.
Dave
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Dave,
Although it's been done, installing a rack and pinion on a straight axle is NEVER a good idea. A rack and pinion was designed to mount on the frame or crossmember which does not move. By mounting to the axle which moves up and down, you incur bump steer (movement of the steering wheel back and forth when you go over bumps). If you are just driving down a drag strip you don't care about bump steer, but it can get very annoying driving down a bumpy street.
Although it's been done, installing a rack and pinion on a straight axle is NEVER a good idea. A rack and pinion was designed to mount on the frame or crossmember which does not move. By mounting to the axle which moves up and down, you incur bump steer (movement of the steering wheel back and forth when you go over bumps). If you are just driving down a drag strip you don't care about bump steer, but it can get very annoying driving down a bumpy street.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,243
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Ed
Ok.
Just give in and use a power rack.
It would be nice if you could drive a manual steering stock F100 around town for a while then drive one with the steering wheel and tire combination that you are going to use, that may give you reason enough to use the power rack.
Also as each year passes things get a little tougher to do (like turning a manual steering truck with small steering wheel and sticky radial tires on a 90 deg plus day)
I agree with Vern on the rack/beam axle even if you added a steering stabalizer bar it's not the wise thing to do.
Chuck
Ok.
Just give in and use a power rack.
It would be nice if you could drive a manual steering stock F100 around town for a while then drive one with the steering wheel and tire combination that you are going to use, that may give you reason enough to use the power rack.
Also as each year passes things get a little tougher to do (like turning a manual steering truck with small steering wheel and sticky radial tires on a 90 deg plus day)
I agree with Vern on the rack/beam axle even if you added a steering stabalizer bar it's not the wise thing to do.
Chuck
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Hudson, Ohio
I would have to agree on the bump steer comments. I have also seen a bolt in crossmember for R&P for early Mustangs could be possible to fab up similar for the Effie frame. Just tossin out ideas and stuff I have seen done.
Dave
Dave
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Kennyhbh
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
0
Nov 9, 2016 07:44 AM
firedrake
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
Jul 16, 2016 12:42 PM
Whisk3y
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
3
Jul 14, 2016 06:20 AM
hodjibran
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
12
Dec 30, 2013 07:33 PM
