'39 Truck with hard steering

[TNDoug]

We're working on a '39 Ford ( 1/2 ton Commercial) with a Flathead, manual tranny. mostly stock. The steering effort required to drive it is more than this old guy can handle. There seems to be binding in the column-maybe the upper bushing. Trying to contact the guy that makes the bearing setup but no luck yet. On the lift, with the front end off the ground, the truck turns really easy. No binding anywhere that we can see. With the weight on the front axle, it's a chore. Any ideas? There is oil in the steering box and the king pins and suspension look great.

[ookpik]

Sounds like tight, siezed king pins. Disconnect the drag link and try.

[G.M.]

Originally Posted by TNDoug

We're working on a '39 Ford ( 1/2 ton Commercial) with a Flathead, manual tranny. mostly stock. The steering effort required to drive it is more than this old guy can handle. There seems to be binding in the column-maybe the upper bushing. Trying to contact the guy that makes the bearing setup but no luck yet. On the lift, with the front end off the ground, the truck turns really easy. No binding anywhere that we can see. With the weight on the front axle, it's a chore. Any ideas? There is oil in the steering box and the king pins and suspension look great.

I have a 39 P/U and at 84 I don't have any problem with steering it.
My truck even has larger tires. They will all turn hard if the truck isn't
moving. G.M.

[Bob C]

I assume the truck is moving when you are trying to turn the steering wheel?

Bob

[alanwoodieman]

as for upper bearing--go to hardware store and purchase a wheelbarrow wheel bearing for a 3/4" shaft--it will have a flange on one side. screw too long sheetmetal screws into the old rubber bushing and pull it out, may have to clean up inside of steering column with some sandpaper or scotchbrite or even an old straight blade knife. do trial fit and make sure it will go over the shaft and into the column, use some super glue or other glue and push bearing down the shaft and allow it to bottom out on the flange, I use a short rubber spacer made out of a radiator hose above the bearing below the steering wheel

[scrapiron]

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Maybe thrust bearings, ( the ones that take the weight) are bad, or king pins, as said.

[TNDoug]

It's not my first go around with old trucks. This one steers abnormally hard. Guess I'm not as strong as you are.

[JSeery]

Place something slick under the wheels if you are wanting to try the steering with the truck setting still and with weight on the wheels.

[FlatheadTed]

The King bearing should be under the axle not on top .Lower the tyres onto the outer bearings of two front brake drums sitting flat on the ground ,they will pivot on them and you can check as JSeery said .Ted

[Mart]

An old newspaper under each front wheel is a reasonable substitute for a turntable.

[Randy1944]

Btt