The Ford Barn

hulleywoodworking · 05-23-2015, 11:30 AM

I have dug into the rebuild of my 1951 Ford F1 truck and have questions about rebuilding the front steering and suspension. The PO modified the front end as follows:

-Installed a rebuilt power steering pump from Performance Online
-Installed a No Limit Rack and Pinion Steering Kit
-Installed front disc brake conversion kit from Sacramento Vintage Ford
-Purchased but did not install a dropped front axle from Speedway

I am not overly enthused about the No Limit rack and pinion, as I have not read much positive about it, and it looks kind of jerry rigged to me. EDIT: I am dumping the No Limits rack. Unfortunately, the PO disposed of the original steering parts, so I have to start over. The truck is in pieces, with the front steering and suspesion in a pile. So where do I go from here?

What I want:
-Manual or power steering; manual is fine, as I will be the only driver and I am strong like bull
-Front disc brakes would be nice but not absolutely necessary

Should I try to find an original steering box and linkage, or would I be further ahead to upgrade? What options are out there? I've read alot about the Mustang II assemblies, but wonder if there are less radical options? I was thinking about going back to the original manual steering but keeping the disc brakes as installed. Thoughts? Feedback?

As always, thanks!

John

05-23-2015, 11:30 AM	#1
hulleywoodworking Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 88	1951 F1 Front Rack & Pinion Steering and Suspension Questions I have dug into the rebuild of my 1951 Ford F1 truck and have questions about rebuilding the front steering and suspension. The PO modified the front end as follows: -Installed a rebuilt power steering pump from Performance Online -Installed a No Limit Rack and Pinion Steering Kit -Installed front disc brake conversion kit from Sacramento Vintage Ford -Purchased but did not install a dropped front axle from Speedway I am not overly enthused about the No Limit rack and pinion, as I have not read much positive about it, and it looks kind of jerry rigged to me. EDIT: I am dumping the No Limits rack. Unfortunately, the PO disposed of the original steering parts, so I have to start over. The truck is in pieces, with the front steering and suspesion in a pile. So where do I go from here? What I want: -Manual or power steering; manual is fine, as I will be the only driver and I am strong like bull -Front disc brakes would be nice but not absolutely necessary Should I try to find an original steering box and linkage, or would I be further ahead to upgrade? What options are out there? I've read alot about the Mustang II assemblies, but wonder if there are less radical options? I was thinking about going back to the original manual steering but keeping the disc brakes as installed. Thoughts? Feedback? As always, thanks! John Last edited by hulleywoodworking; 05-23-2015 at 12:12 PM.