1934 Pickup Frustration- Ready to jump out a one story building

[Mart]

I'd be checking the worm preload in the steering box. I had an f100 that had to be manually centered. I had to add a shim to the worm bearing in the steering box. Steered nice after that.

You have to consider the proximity of the steering box to the exhaust also. It's a lot closer than the kingpins. How else would you explain how things get worse as it warms up?

Mart.

[FlatheadTed]

X 2 on that

[phartman]

I am confused by the procedure description in the shop manual. To add the shims, must I remove the steering column and box from the truck? Or do I just remove the cover, after unbolting the steering column from the dash to give me more clearance?

[JSeery]

I wouldn't call it a cover, to me it would be end plate. Guess I need to check the parts manuel to see what the proper name is!

Ok, Tube and Plate assy (steering gear oil retainer). This is assuming you are referring to the adjustment shims on the worm gear bearings.

Should only have to remover the light control switch.

UPDATE: This is referring to the later steering boxes!!!! The early boxes have the shims on the upper bearing race (as pointed out by cas3 in post #46 below) and does require the removal of the box/column.

[phartman]

Originally Posted by JSeery

I wouldn't call it a cover, to me it would be end plate. Guess I need to check the parts manuel to see what the proper name is!

Ok, Tube and Plate assy (steering gear oil retainer). This is assuming you are referring to the adjustment shims on the worm gear bearings.

Should only have to remover the light control switch.

Got it. Very helpful. Thank you.

I am learning a ton about my old truck here. When problems come along, you can shake your head and curse them as so many owners seem to do. But when it comes to these old Fords, it seems we are richly rewarded for the time we take to learn about how they operate. What a terrific opportunity. I only wish I had started earlier in life. Ain't that the truth about lots of things!

[cas3]

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unless i missed somthing, shims on a 34 box are on the top cover. the bottom is only the cover and light switch. fitting the shim stack is normally done on the bench, in a vise, without the sector shaft in place so you can feel the drag of only the worm and its bearings. to do this in the truck i suppose would be possible, but certainly not how its normally done. i suspect if its getting tight, and been that way for some time, you are going to find it needs more than just adjustment of the worm bearings

[JSeery]

Sorry about that! Believe cas3 is correct, I was thinking of the later steering boxes. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...ng-box.721208/

[Mart]

Personally if it were me I'd drive it until it started to get tight and then just very slightly loosen the bolts holding the upper bearing retainer (not loose as such, just less tight). If the steering frees up that would at least give an indication that that is the area that needs attention.

[phartman]

Originally Posted by JSeery;1752532 [url

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/what-is-the-proper-way-to-adjust-a-1932-1934-ford-steering-box.721208

A review of this thread on the HAMB is interesting. And it confirms what I learned at Jalopyrama this past weekend. Several builders I respect told me they have rebuilt the '32-34 boxes, and still complained their cars were difficult to steer. I am beginning to believe that the hot rodders had it correct: pull the '34 box altogether and go with a more modern alternative.

I am convinced the box and steering column need to be pulled and freshened up in any case, and the kingpins are overdue for replacement. Rebuild what I have, but keep a sharp eye out and an open mind for a Plan B.

[Lawrie]

set up correctly the 33/34 boxes are OK, both ours steer nice ,no play and drive good.
BUT they are a pain to set up .
They must be OK, we are off in the 33 today out to Winton for two weeks on the back roads
Lawrie

[AnthonyG]

As long as it's a window and not the roof u should be fine

[flathead34]

I had the same hard steering problem with my '34 PU. It turned out that the king pins had to be greased. The steering is much better now with the front end greased. Mike

[phartman]

Originally Posted by AnthonyG

As long as it's a window and not the roof u should be fine

Right now, still a ground floor window at that, not the roof!