Hi Guys,
I hope some one out there can help me. I have a 1952 Ford F1 which I purchased from the USA last year, It' a great motor and I'm having great fun with it over here in little old england. However, I'm having a bit of a nightmare witht the steering. I realy need either a new steering box or to update to power steering. Could any one let me know or point me in the right direction in resolving this.

Thanks for listing.

cheers
Q

 

Well, if you are having nightmares about it, I'd suggest less spicy food so close to bed time.

But maybe if you describe the problems you are having, we could suggest a specific fix. My stock steering box is very easy to drive with - ok parallel parking is a pain, but what the heck.

There's about 6 different things that can effect your steering - all differently, from poor lash adjustment to bad spring eye bushings - so let us know what the bad characteristics are.

Welcome to FTE by the way!

 

New/remanufactured steering gears are available from many of the typical US truck parts vendors. There are a few options for a power steering conversion, also. The Toyota conversion is the simplest and most popular. See the stickies at the top of the '48-'60 forum list page for more details.

 

Hi Many thanks, I think it's the beer at the local Indian.
There is a play in the box but she seems to want to steer herself from the road bumps and truck ruts.

cheers
Paul

 

In that case, there are other things that you'll want to look into first. Are you running radial tires? If so, then that could be part of your problem as well as bushing and steering linkage wear. Radial tires want more positive caster than the old bias ply tires did to hold the road. 5-7 degrees works well. This can be added with wedge shims between the springs and axle. Give the entire front suspension and steering a thorough inspection for wear before messing with the alignment though. It'll never be right with worn parts.

 

i had a straight axe that rear spring hangers were stuck tight. when you would hit a bump it would about jump out from under. are the king pins stuck all take grease

 

If your steering is loose then check the drag link for wear. There are rebuild kits for them also there is a large nut on the side of your steering box. I think you tighten it. Either way try turning it one way or the other and you will tell a difference.