Need some help with a '41 truck steering box
 

This is my first post here and it looks like you have a very active forum. I've recently aquired a '41 pu and I've began sorting through it. A little history on the truck. I purchased it from a family member and it had been in storage since '95. Prior to that it was owned by the father since the early sixties, he decided to have it restored in the early '90's and fell ill and past away before it was finished. The family kept it stored until a couple of months ago. The son didn't know or have any documentation on what had been done. It looks like it is pretty much stock except a 12v generator upgrade. Looks as if the engine and tranny were out. The engine runs good. It looks as if the front suspension is completely stock, tie rods have been replaced, front end is tight. I have about 1/2 turn play in the steering. No up and down play when you pull on the wheel. I've tried driving it and it wanders bad. I found some posts on adjustment, but after removing the cap I can't get the adjusting screw"lack of a better term" to move. Sorry for the length of the post.

Re: Need some help with a '41 truck steering box
 

welcome to the barn! nice truck, i am jealous, mine is a pile o junk. sorry i am not your 41 steering box expert, but a truck that nice, i would remove it and rebuild it proper. shoot for no leaks and a nice driver since it has gotten this close. nice rig!

Re: Need some help with a '41 truck steering box
 

Sounds like it's bound up. Try loosening the four bolts that holds the top then try backing off the adjustment screw. Try going counter clockwise with it.

Re: Need some help with a '41 truck steering box
 

Well that was it. I loosened the top cover bolts and then was able to turn the adjusting screw counterclockwise and it popped loose. This screw had about 3/4" thread showing. It then turned freely clockwise. I turned it in a half a turn at a time while checking the steering wheel and now most of the play is out of the wheel, but it doesn't turn as far right as it does left. I didn't try and force it left. Have I got the steering box out of center?

Re: Need some help with a '41 truck steering box
 

Could be the drag link needs to be adjusted. Ken will be getting back to you.
Charlie ny

Re: Need some help with a '41 truck steering box
 

You might also check the front end alignment. The prior owner may have replaced a lot of parts , but never got around to aligning the front end.

Re: Need some help with a '41 truck steering box
 

Unfortunately I don't have any history on the restoration that was done in the '90's. I can tell it has new tie rod ends, the brake shoes, wheel clynders and master clynder have been replaced. The steering box had been off, but I don't know if anything was done to it. After the owner passed away the family told them to just finish it up. It was stored ever since. I've got to replace the gas tank. It is rotten. When I drove it around a little last week it was very hard to keep it straight with all of the play in the wheel. Engine, clutch and tranny seem to be ok. It is in surprising good condition for setting as long as it did.

Re: Need some help with a '41 truck steering box
 

front wheels should have about 1/8" toe in, this will cure most of the wondering around. tire pressure is another culprit--30 lbs. I had seen that add on craigslist and glad someone in NC purchased it. I have owned and still own a few trucks of that vintage.

Re: Need some help with a '41 truck steering box
 

Yeah it's the same one. It was in Charlotte CL. I believe it is a pretty solid truck. From the cab forward was completely redone. The bed on the other hand wasn't. I'm going to need a complete bed. This one was sprayed with undercoating and I don't believe it's going to be salvageable. I was saving all of that for another post.
Randy

Re: Need some help with a '41 truck steering box
 

Is the procedure for adjusting the steering box for cars the same as trucks?

Re: Need some help with a '41 truck steering box
 

yes, your truck which in Ford parlance is a commercial vehicle resides on a car frame which is about the same from 35 to 40 cars and 35 to 41 pick ups. I just purchased a 112" panel body which also is on a frame like yours.

Re: Need some help with a '41 truck steering box
 

If you remove the drag link from the pitman arm on the steering box then turn the wheel all the way to the left then turn it all way to the right and count the number of turns. Then go halfway with it. Steering wheel should be straight and look underneath at the pitman arm. It should be center. Then adjust the steering box to remove the excess play. Next take it and get the alignment checked.

Re: Need some help with a '41 truck steering box
 

Make sure the pitman arm is TIGHT to the steering box shaft.
Paul in CT

Re: Need some help with a '41 truck steering box
 

The steering wheel should be in proper centered location with the front wheels aimed straight ahead. If not, it could have the sector gear out of place and that will give you slack that you can't get rid of. Many times the worm gear on the steering shaft will be worn and pitted in the centered location. You can feel it if you jack the vehicle and place it on stands then disconnect the drag link from the pitman arm. You can feel the condition of the worm by moving the pitman arm back and forth. If it has a notchy feel to it the the worm is likely bad. When the steering is anywhere off the centered mark, it gets more and more play as you move it. The centered position is the only place that you should feel NO play.

Parts are available to repair these old units since they were used from 1937 well up into the 50s.