The Ford Barn

47jailbar · 11-13-2023, 09:43 AM

IÂ’m not only new to Fordbarn, IÂ’m new to forums, boards ext so please bear with me. I donÂ’t know where to post my question so IÂ’m starting here.

IÂ’ve just purchased a 1947 Ford pickup (1/2 ton). IÂ’ve owned a few cars from the 60Â’s but this is my first vehicle this old. Beyond the pretty paint and fancy wheels it looks mostly stock to me; 24 stud (239?) with 3 spd manual and banjo rearend. It has leaf springs and knee action shocks at all 4 corners.

HereÂ’s my question. The steering was sloppy even for a 76 year old pickup so I had the seller wiggle the steering wheel while I observed. I noticed the gear box was loose at a mounting bolt with cotter pin. Replacing with a tighter bolt improves things greatly but now I notice flexing in the frame rail when the steering wheel is turned. Is this normal? Did I screw up replacing that bolt? Is there another fix?

deuce_roadster · 11-13-2023, 10:35 AM

You did the right thing.
Old Ford frames are a kind of spring steel. They are supposed to flex. The worst thing someone can do to one is weld fish plates on the outside of one and that will insure cracking becasue it cannot flex. There are adjustments on the steering box. If you put the front on jackstands and go through the entire travel, you should notice more play when at Full Right and Full Left and the tightest spot should be in the middle and at this tighter spot, the front wheels should be straight ahead. Check the lubricant in the box, it is quite common for it to leak out due to a worn seal where the shaft comes out for the pittman arm. Many use a grease called John Deer Corn Head grease in these boxes as it is a very soft grease made for very low RPM things where it does turn to a liquid but goes back to a semi solid when not moving. It probably has that name because it was maybe used on corn harvesting sickle bar type equipment is my guess.

Welcome!! There are MANY Jailbar truck guys here on the barn who will assist you with specific things related to your truck.

Ol' Ron · 11-13-2023, 10:41 AM

No, You didn't screw up. Replacing the bolts was a good idea, but they should be grade #8 bolts and tightened to a proper torque. The cotter pis is to keep the nut from falling off if it comes loose. I think.
Yes the frame will flex a small amount. Another thought might be the condition of the steering box itself??. Backlash etc.
Gramps
Just worked on a 47 PU very nice truck

GB SISSON · 11-13-2023, 11:30 AM

Welcome to the barn. Next thing is have someone wiggle steering wheel and look for movement in tie rod ends, idler arm, pitman arm and king pins. If good, there are 2 adjustments on the steering box. On top is a cover over a machine screw with a stamped 'star' around it. It's next to the fill plug. I will defer to the Mac Van Pelt's site for his clearly written directions as I have a busy Monday morning in my shop. Also, there is a 4 bolt plate on the front end of the steering box. Under the plate are a stack of paper shims. Removing one or two will eliminate end play in the shaft. Keep them intact as you may take out too many and get in a bind. Let's just say you go through all this and it wanders. I have just learned how important the caster shims (wedges) are, specially if the stance has been altered a bit from sagging springs or someone's 'rake' attempts. Lastly on the topic of wander check the toe in. Should be about 1/8", but I have snuck in an extra 1/16" at the expense of more tire wear and it can help. Let us know what you find and we can help. Nothing too difficult on a jailbar truck, other than finding room for a couple of parts trucks. They are still relatively inexpensive and plentiful, at least around here. Get us some pics when you can.

47jailbar · 11-13-2023, 03:35 PM

Thank you much one and all. I plan on ordering a 42-47 manual I saw on eBay. Seller says it’s a reproduction of a military manual.

mfirth · 11-13-2023, 04:48 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I love "Jailbar" trucks.....pictures PLEASE and welcome to The Barn !
mike

mcflash · 11-13-2023, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 47jailbar

IÂ’m not only new to Fordbarn, IÂ’m new to forums, boards ext so please bear with me. I donÂ’t know where to post my question so IÂ’m starting here.

IÂ’ve just purchased a 1947 Ford pickup (1/2 ton). IÂ’ve owned a few cars from the 60Â’s but this is my first vehicle this old. Beyond the pretty paint and fancy wheels it looks mostly stock to me; 24 stud (239?) with 3 spd manual and banjo rearend. It has leaf springs and knee action shocks at all 4 corners.

HereÂ’s my question. The steering was sloppy even for a 76 year old pickup so I had the seller wiggle the steering wheel while I observed. I noticed the gear box was loose at a mounting bolt with cotter pin. Replacing with a tighter bolt improves things greatly but now I notice flexing in the frame rail when the steering wheel is turned. Is this normal? Did I screw up replacing that bolt? Is there another fix?

The school of hard knocks is about the only source for learning about these old cars. Thanks for everyone on this forum who is willing to share their knowledge with the rest of us newbies!

34pickup · 11-13-2023, 07:59 PM

Are you a doctor?

just kidding....

47jailbar · 11-14-2023, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mfirth

I love "Jailbar" trucks.....pictures PLEASE and welcome to The Barn !
mike

I put some pics in an album. Still trying to figure out how to add them to a post.

Mart · 11-14-2023, 12:59 PM

GB SISSON · 11-14-2023, 03:47 PM

Good job Mart! And that's a great looking truck!

47jailbar · 11-14-2023, 05:32 PM

Sorcery!

fordv8j · 11-14-2023, 06:32 PM

Beautiful truck....welcome aford

sugarmaker · 11-14-2023, 07:51 PM

47jailbar,
Welcome to the forum! Looks like you hit the ground running with your very nice jailbar! Ok, so check with Ken Bounds and get signed up for the annual National meet in Auburn Indiana June 17-22.
Regards,
Chris and Cheryl

47jailbar · 11-14-2023, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sugarmaker

47jailbar,
Welcome to the forum! Looks like you hit the ground running with your very nice jailbar! Ok, so check with Ken Bounds and get signed up for the annual National meet in Auburn Indiana June 17-22.
Regards,
Chris and Cheryl

Auburn is a bit far given the gearing in the old girl. I’ll probably do NSRA nationals in Kalamazoo though.

mfirth · 11-15-2023, 07:48 AM

Way to go Mart !!! Thanks. 47jailbar, you have a GOOD LOOKING truck for sure.

11-13-2023, 09:43 AM	#1
47jailbar Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2023 Location: Three Rivers, MI Posts: 14	New (patients please) IÂ’m not only new to Fordbarn, IÂ’m new to forums, boards ext so please bear with me. I donÂ’t know where to post my question so IÂ’m starting here. IÂ’ve just purchased a 1947 Ford pickup (1/2 ton). IÂ’ve owned a few cars from the 60Â’s but this is my first vehicle this old. Beyond the pretty paint and fancy wheels it looks mostly stock to me; 24 stud (239?) with 3 spd manual and banjo rearend. It has leaf springs and knee action shocks at all 4 corners. HereÂ’s my question. The steering was sloppy even for a 76 year old pickup so I had the seller wiggle the steering wheel while I observed. I noticed the gear box was loose at a mounting bolt with cotter pin. Replacing with a tighter bolt improves things greatly but now I notice flexing in the frame rail when the steering wheel is turned. Is this normal? Did I screw up replacing that bolt? Is there another fix?

11-13-2023, 10:35 AM	#2
deuce_roadster Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Shelton, WA Posts: 3,800	Re: New (patients please) You did the right thing. Old Ford frames are a kind of spring steel. They are supposed to flex. The worst thing someone can do to one is weld fish plates on the outside of one and that will insure cracking becasue it cannot flex. There are adjustments on the steering box. If you put the front on jackstands and go through the entire travel, you should notice more play when at Full Right and Full Left and the tightest spot should be in the middle and at this tighter spot, the front wheels should be straight ahead. Check the lubricant in the box, it is quite common for it to leak out due to a worn seal where the shaft comes out for the pittman arm. Many use a grease called John Deer Corn Head grease in these boxes as it is a very soft grease made for very low RPM things where it does turn to a liquid but goes back to a semi solid when not moving. It probably has that name because it was maybe used on corn harvesting sickle bar type equipment is my guess. Welcome!! There are MANY Jailbar truck guys here on the barn who will assist you with specific things related to your truck.

11-13-2023, 10:41 AM	#3
Ol' Ron Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chester Vt Posts: 8,860	Re: New (patients please) No, You didn't screw up. Replacing the bolts was a good idea, but they should be grade #8 bolts and tightened to a proper torque. The cotter pis is to keep the nut from falling off if it comes loose. I think. Yes the frame will flex a small amount. Another thought might be the condition of the steering box itself??. Backlash etc. Gramps Just worked on a 47 PU very nice truck

11-13-2023, 11:30 AM	#4
GB SISSON Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Orcas Island Washington Posts: 4,942	Re: New (patients please) Welcome to the barn. Next thing is have someone wiggle steering wheel and look for movement in tie rod ends, idler arm, pitman arm and king pins. If good, there are 2 adjustments on the steering box. On top is a cover over a machine screw with a stamped 'star' around it. It's next to the fill plug. I will defer to the Mac Van Pelt's site for his clearly written directions as I have a busy Monday morning in my shop. Also, there is a 4 bolt plate on the front end of the steering box. Under the plate are a stack of paper shims. Removing one or two will eliminate end play in the shaft. Keep them intact as you may take out too many and get in a bind. Let's just say you go through all this and it wanders. I have just learned how important the caster shims (wedges) are, specially if the stance has been altered a bit from sagging springs or someone's 'rake' attempts. Lastly on the topic of wander check the toe in. Should be about 1/8", but I have snuck in an extra 1/16" at the expense of more tire wear and it can help. Let us know what you find and we can help. Nothing too difficult on a jailbar truck, other than finding room for a couple of parts trucks. They are still relatively inexpensive and plentiful, at least around here. Get us some pics when you can. __________________ Owner/Operator of 'Jailbar Ranch' on the side of Mt. Pickett. Current stable consists of 1946 1/2 ton pickup turned woodie wagon with FH V8, 1947 Tonner Pickup (red) mostly stock with exception of a cummins 6at turbo diesel, 1946 Tonner Pickup (green) with 226 cu in 6 cyl flathead, 1979 Toyota landcruiser wagon, completely encased in 1947 Ford Jailbar sheet metal. Ok, cornbinder rear fenders..... 'Rusty ol' floorboards, hot on their feet' (Alan Jackson)

11-13-2023, 03:35 PM	#5
47jailbar Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2023 Location: Three Rivers, MI Posts: 14	Re: New (patients please) Thank you much one and all. I plan on ordering a 42-47 manual I saw on eBay. Seller says it’s a reproduction of a military manual.

11-13-2023, 04:48 PM	#6
mfirth Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: ohio Posts: 986	Re: New (patients please) Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I love "Jailbar" trucks.....pictures PLEASE and welcome to The Barn ! mike

11-13-2023, 07:59 PM	#8
34pickup Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Huntsville Al Posts: 1,526	Re: New (patients please) Are you a doctor? just kidding.... __________________ Matt 24:36-41

11-14-2023, 12:59 PM	#10
Mart Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Solihull, England. Posts: 8,755	Re: New (patients please)

11-14-2023, 03:47 PM	#11
GB SISSON Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Orcas Island Washington Posts: 4,942	Re: New (patients please) Good job Mart! And that's a great looking truck! __________________ Owner/Operator of 'Jailbar Ranch' on the side of Mt. Pickett. Current stable consists of 1946 1/2 ton pickup turned woodie wagon with FH V8, 1947 Tonner Pickup (red) mostly stock with exception of a cummins 6at turbo diesel, 1946 Tonner Pickup (green) with 226 cu in 6 cyl flathead, 1979 Toyota landcruiser wagon, completely encased in 1947 Ford Jailbar sheet metal. Ok, cornbinder rear fenders..... 'Rusty ol' floorboards, hot on their feet' (Alan Jackson)

11-14-2023, 05:32 PM	#12
47jailbar Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2023 Location: Three Rivers, MI Posts: 14	Re: New (patients please) Sorcery!

11-14-2023, 06:32 PM	#13
fordv8j Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 325	Re: New (patients please) Beautiful truck....welcome aford

11-14-2023, 07:51 PM	#14
sugarmaker Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Albion PA Posts: 1,677	Re: New (patients please) 47jailbar, Welcome to the forum! Looks like you hit the ground running with your very nice jailbar! Ok, so check with Ken Bounds and get signed up for the annual National meet in Auburn Indiana June 17-22. Regards, Chris and Cheryl __________________ 1932 AAB Truck 1953 Ford Jubilee 2015 Ford F250 SuperCrew Lots of Allis tractors Some Cub Cadets

11-15-2023, 07:48 AM	#16
mfirth Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: ohio Posts: 986	Re: New (patients please) Way to go Mart !!! Thanks. 47jailbar, you have a GOOD LOOKING truck for sure.