Please, would the two of you JUST SHUT UP! as they say on ESPN

 

Dittos on the shut up.

 

Amen, on the shut up.

 

Amen on the Amen!

 

I am removing the power ram assist steering system (less pump) and the stock box, column and wheel from our 56, and replacing it with the "Toy$@&* box and a tilt column over the next couple weeks if anyone else is interested in the removed parts.
Why? because the ram system on our truck has way too much free play (may be able to be adjusted out, but I'd rather have the tilt column anyway) and we bought our Panel specifically to tow our National Champion Toy$@&* RACE CAR!
PS: our panel also has a 400 cu" SBC and 6 speed tranny from a D-C Viper! I may just see how many different manufacturer's parts I can use...
I'm a non-conformist who believes in using whatever does the job best. I'm only brand loyal in Ketsup (Heinz), salad dressing (Miracle Whip) and race tires (Hoosier).

 

I also have had a power ram for sale; no problem with free play from my unit...the old steering box was the culprit. PS worked fine.

 

I wasn't implying that the ram system isn't a workable option, I really don't know where the play is in my steering. Bought the truck last week Thurs, got the paperwork done Fri AM and headed for home, driving it almost 2K miles in 2 1/2 days. The free play (~ 1/4 turn on the wheel) was managable most of the time @ "slightly" over the interstate speed limits, but got rather dicey over the TN/NC mountains. Since we are national autocross racers, we are used to precision steering and handling, so ANY play is too much in our book. It is likely that most or all that play can be adjusted out, I'll get my first real look at the truck tomorrow when I spend the day crawling in under over and around it taking inventory of what is and isn't done to my liking. As I said we will be pulling a 24' enclosed car trailer with our Celica racer and all it's support gear inside to events from FL to MI, KS to DC so it must perform that task flawlessly. I need it to be as dependable as a new vehicle. I just don't like the looks and complexity of the ram system, will be putting too much strain on it to trust 48 year old components, and really didn't like the bus driving feel of the large too horizontal steering wheel after driving sportscars and high performance sport compacts for the last 5 years. I'm sure that there won't be many others planning to use their truck the way we'll use the Panel, so what I find unsuitable for my use and taste may very well be perfect for someone else's. YMMV!

 

Amen on the Amen on the Amen...

Vern

 

I know what you mean about the PS. Also, many of the 60s cars/trucks used the ram assisted PS. It's not as sophisticated as a modern unit, but it's only as good as the steering box as to feel and tightness.

 

You'll be glad you went with the Toyota ps. I replaced my worn out box with a Toyota and used a Foed pump. I use the kit from MidFifty, they are in AZ.

 

Box is on it's way, will be ordering the rest of the parts from Mid Fifties today.
Funny coincidence: We drove our Panel from NM to NC, and on the second day we stopped in AR at a truck stop for lunch. The passenger door lock stopped working so we couldn't lock up the truck. I pulled off the upholstery panel and inspection plate and had my arm up inside the door trying to determine how the lock mechanism worked by feel when a lady walked up and said "those latches can be tempermental can't they?"
She then handed me a catalog along with the introduction of "I'm Sy, from Mid Fifties!"
I told her the PO had given us a 2002 version of her catalog we had been going through on the ride, and that the 2004 version was much appreciated and would get even more attention! I finally had time to go over our "new" truck this past Sat to take inventory of my immediate parts needs. The steering box feels tight, but all the play is in the connection of the steering arm to the special (?) draglink control unit. There is a lot of play there with no obvious adjustment.

 

You would think with all this bad attitude toward other forum members that people might try to SPELL correctly when they are sending their rebuttal. This is America right??Land of the Free?? Free to ride our Machines without being hassled by the Man!! It's your truck, not the other guy's!!!!