Power assist for straight axles?
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Power assist for straight axles?
Hey Y'all,
Anyone out there have any information about a power assist steering set up for straight axles?
In the threads I have seen there are set ups for '48 and newer but I can't find anything for '47 and older.
I have a '42 1/2 ton Panel Truck and it drives like a . . . well . . . er . . . a truck! I need a set up so my young part-timer can make deliveries for me. Heck, I've already put automatic in it for him!
Thanks!
Bob
Anyone out there have any information about a power assist steering set up for straight axles?
In the threads I have seen there are set ups for '48 and newer but I can't find anything for '47 and older. I have a '42 1/2 ton Panel Truck and it drives like a . . . well . . . er . . . a truck! I need a set up so my young part-timer can make deliveries for me. Heck, I've already put automatic in it for him! Thanks!
Bob
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You could swap in a PS box from a 4x4 truck, they use the same fore-and-aft steering link. Some trucks in the late 60's and early 70's used a "band-aid" add-on cylinder and valve setup, but they aren't very good.
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Hi!
Thanks for the reply, I have heard the same thing. I have seen where a Toyota truck steering box is basically a bolt-in deal on '48 to about '60. I'm wondering what the difference is between '48 and earlier models and why not anything earlier than '48? When I look on the websites for all the big suppliers, they usually go from '35 to '40 and then '48 to to '56 or sometimes '60 with regards to any steering or brake components.
I was hoping someone out there has done this and could walk me through it. There is a lot of talent out there under the shade tree!
Thanks again,
Bob
Thanks for the reply, I have heard the same thing. I have seen where a Toyota truck steering box is basically a bolt-in deal on '48 to about '60. I'm wondering what the difference is between '48 and earlier models and why not anything earlier than '48? When I look on the websites for all the big suppliers, they usually go from '35 to '40 and then '48 to to '56 or sometimes '60 with regards to any steering or brake components.
I was hoping someone out there has done this and could walk me through it. There is a lot of talent out there under the shade tree!
Thanks again,
Bob
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From: Paris Crossing, Indiana
Bob, I am certainly no expert on that so, all I can do is offer my two cents worth, the 48 chassis is very similar to the 42-47s. Just sticks out a little more in the front to mount the bumper, and the core support is a little different. I've heard tell that folks have installed front suspension made for 48s and they fit. I believe the 48s shared the same frame width and steering stuff but the 48s have different shocks. I guess what I am getting at is the power steering made for the 48s should work on your 42
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Hi,
Thanks for your input.
I was thinking that they can't be that different. I've looked at both (not at the same time) and they appear very similar if not exact. I am thinking I will give it a shot with a '48 set up. If that doesn't work - there's always EBay to re-sell the stuff!
Thanks again,
Bob
Thanks for your input.
I was thinking that they can't be that different. I've looked at both (not at the same time) and they appear very similar if not exact. I am thinking I will give it a shot with a '48 set up. If that doesn't work - there's always EBay to re-sell the stuff! Thanks again,
Bob
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'42-47 pickups are cross-steer. The major change that Ford made to the '42 chassis for the "Bonus Built" 48 was change to drag-link style steering.
Power steering for an F-1 would not be a bolt-in on a '42-47.
Before switching to M-II on my '45, I used a Mustang ('68-'69 or so) manual steering box using an adapter from S.A.C. (dubya dubya dubya dot sachotrod dot com or something like that). Use the adapter for '42-48 passenger cars. It worked quite well: much easier than stock.
Mike
Power steering for an F-1 would not be a bolt-in on a '42-47.
Before switching to M-II on my '45, I used a Mustang ('68-'69 or so) manual steering box using an adapter from S.A.C. (dubya dubya dubya dot sachotrod dot com or something like that). Use the adapter for '42-48 passenger cars. It worked quite well: much easier than stock.
Mike
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From: Southern Oregon
Regarding cross steer vs. drag link. If my memory is correct, the 46 2 ton I used for parts had drag link steering. It looked like an F-1 setup that I saved for quite a while thinking it could be made to work on my truck, though there wasnt much reason to try.
Finally sold the F-1 parts.
Finally sold the F-1 parts.
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Hi Mike,
This is exactly what I was hoping for - someone who has done this before.
When you installed the Mustang steering box, was there a great improvement in the ease of steering? I have a local ACE Hardware store and will be using this '42 panel for deliveries. I have some part-time college students who will, no doubt, be driving this truck. All they are used to is their rice burners so I don't want them to screw-up.
Do you think the power steering box from the Mustang is the same fit?
Thanks,
Bob
This is exactly what I was hoping for - someone who has done this before.
When you installed the Mustang steering box, was there a great improvement in the ease of steering? I have a local ACE Hardware store and will be using this '42 panel for deliveries. I have some part-time college students who will, no doubt, be driving this truck. All they are used to is their rice burners so I don't want them to screw-up.
Do you think the power steering box from the Mustang is the same fit?Thanks,
Bob
Originally Posted by 45ford
'42-47 pickups are cross-steer. The major change that Ford made to the '42 chassis for the "Bonus Built" 48 was change to drag-link style steering.
Power steering for an F-1 would not be a bolt-in on a '42-47.
Before switching to M-II on my '45, I used a Mustang ('68-'69 or so) manual steering box using an adapter from S.A.C. (dubya dubya dubya dot sachotrod dot com or something like that). Use the adapter for '42-48 passenger cars. It worked quite well: much easier than stock.
Mike
Power steering for an F-1 would not be a bolt-in on a '42-47.
Before switching to M-II on my '45, I used a Mustang ('68-'69 or so) manual steering box using an adapter from S.A.C. (dubya dubya dubya dot sachotrod dot com or something like that). Use the adapter for '42-48 passenger cars. It worked quite well: much easier than stock.
Mike
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