Centering steering box & front wheels
 

Hey Guys -

After a lot of reading on peoples other posts, I'm still scratching my head.

My truck is a 100% stock '56 f-100. All front end components have either been rebuilt or replaced. I rebuilt the steering box and didn't get it centered, so I wanted to get everything precise. I followed the instructions in the shop manual to get it centered with pitman arm removed and played with the # of shims for pre-load.

The issue I'm having is that when the box is centered and the pitman arm pointing straight down, the front wheels are turned slightly to the left. I've double-checked that the drag link is installed correctly with the straight part on the spindle ball side. I don't think I can get enough adjustment to center the front wheels by adjusting the tie rod ends. Is it possible that I have an incorrect length drag link? Does anyone else's truck have the pitman arm pointing slightly to the rear with the front wheels centered? (see pic below)

Any suggestions appreciated!

<a href="http://s80.photobucket.com/user/yblock57/media/IMG_1219_zpsa7zzl5jc.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j184/yblock57/IMG_1219_zpsa7zzl5jc.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1219_zpsa7zzl5jc.jpg"/></a>
<a href="http://s80.photobucket.com/user/yblock57/media/IMG_0936_zpssdogsfks.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j184/yblock57/IMG_0936_zpssdogsfks.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_0936_zpssdogsfks.jpg"/></a>

Nice looking 56.

My 50 is the same. Everything new and rebuilt. I went back to the disassembly pics and it was this way then as well which I assumed was original!? Curious to hear what others have found...

http://i1346.photobucket.com/albums/...scjopwhxh.jpeg

http://i1346.photobucket.com/albums/...pssfjumswb.png

I think the wheels are turned slightly when this pic was taken though...

Never paid any attention to it. That's a great looking 56 and painted the BEST color too!

Thanks guys. I guess I'll live with it this way unless someone has other ideas.