1951 F1 Front Rack & Pinion Steering and Suspension Questions

[hulleywoodworking]

Originally Posted by waterboychuck

John, I'm going to chime in here again. I do not like the way my truck handles in the steering. too much play. I guess that I could go through tightening the box which I did but not much improvement. I have no idea how old you are but I'm 68 and drove cars with drum brakes all the time. One problem with them is when it was raining and I had to drive through a standing water puddle. The method there was to go through the puddle with your left foot on the brake so that the water would not soak the drums. Also if you put drum brakes on a stopping test vs a front wheel disc brake look at the results.
If you install MII rack and pinion you will have to install a different type of steering column as you'll have to put in a double D shaft from one to the other. I do not think that you can keep a standard column with pitman arm to the MII.

Thanks for letting me know what you don't like about the handling and braking. That is a big help.

[Paul Bennett]

Originally Posted by waterboychuck

I do not like the way my truck handles in the steering. too much play. I guess that I could go through tightening the box which I did but not much improvement.

Back in the day (195x) I didn't like the steering wheel play either. With age the steering gear wore in the center which is where you mostly drove. Tightening engagement removed play from the worn center but hard turns would bind unacceptably and not allow steering to return to center. (not fun except on a circle track). And replacement gears were not available from Ford.

But now you can buy a new steering gear for roughly $80. Steering becomes like new again. If new is acceptable. There's no need for power steering for adult males and if granny must drive get her to the gym for some upper body workouts.

[Ol' Ron]

I installed a 605 Sagnaw box, and a Speedway disk conversion. I really like it, however, installing the pump was a problem. If I had to do it again I'd use an electric steering unit. Works great and much cheaper.

[rotorwrench]

This is an oldy. I wonder what has been done since?

[hulleywoodworking]

Originally Posted by rotorwrench

This is an oldy. I wonder what has been done since?

Since this post, I completely rebuilt the original steering. I found a decent set of used spindles to replace the ones destroyed by the PO to install the No Limits system. I picked up a used tie rod and steering box as well. I installed new kingpins in the spindles, rebuilt and installed the PO's disc brake conversion, replaced the front wheel bearings, installed new tie rod ends, sandblasted and painted and rebuilt the springs with the plastic liners, and rebuilt the steering box. Bought a used drag link and rebuilt it, and installed it with a new pitman arm.

I adjusted the steering box and have about 3/4" of play in the steering wheel.

And I sandblasted and painted the frame.

Just to update.

[rotorwrench]

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You've been busy since your last entry and to a good direction in my opinion. The front drums are getting to be a bear to find & afford. Just curious though, is it still 5 1/2 on 5 wheel lug pattern or different? If it is, you can still run stock wheels & caps & no one would know the difference as long as they clear the caliper.

[hulleywoodworking]

Originally Posted by rotorwrench

You've been busy since your last entry and to a good direction in my opinion. The front drums are getting to be a bear to find & afford. Just curious though, is it still 5 1/2 on 5 wheel lug pattern or different? If it is, you can still run stock wheels & caps & no one would know the difference as long as they clear the caliper.

Thanks. Still 5-1/2 on 5 wheel lugs.

The PO also provided brand new tires and wheels, which fit perfectly.