The Ford Barn

randy993 · 05-16-2018, 10:19 AM

Hello all,
I'm still sorting out my new to me '41 PU. I've went over the adjustment procedures on Vanpelt website and can't seem to get the steering box adjusted out. Here's what I have. I have about 1/3 of a round of play in the steering wheel. With the draglink disconnected I can't find any movement in any of the frontend components showing wear. Everything seems to be in good condition and tight. There is no play at the pittman arm at the steering box with the draglink disconnected and turning the steering wheel. I've also replaced the rubber bushing in the steering colum at the steering wheel.
My box had what looked to be grease in it. I've cleaned it out as best I could and refilled it with STP. I have not removed the roller shaft cover of the box. When I'm driving it, other than the excessive play, it seems to be harder to initially turn right from going down the road straight. Of course you get into the overcorrection back left and so on and so on. I know it's an old truck, but it's really undriveable.
I guess my question is am I missing something in the adjustment procedure or do I need to proceed to rebuild or replace?
As always thanks in advance,
Randy

JSeery · 05-16-2018, 10:41 AM

The external adjustment on the steering box only works well when the adjustment on the shaft with the screw is correct. The shaft is adjusted by changing the shims on the end plate.

19Fordy · 05-16-2018, 10:53 AM

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Try adjusting it with front wheels straight and off the ground, just a little.

05-16-2018, 10:19 AM	#1
randy993 Member Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: King NC Posts: 98	need help with steering box on '41 truck Hello all, I'm still sorting out my new to me '41 PU. I've went over the adjustment procedures on Vanpelt website and can't seem to get the steering box adjusted out. Here's what I have. I have about 1/3 of a round of play in the steering wheel. With the draglink disconnected I can't find any movement in any of the frontend components showing wear. Everything seems to be in good condition and tight. There is no play at the pittman arm at the steering box with the draglink disconnected and turning the steering wheel. I've also replaced the rubber bushing in the steering colum at the steering wheel. My box had what looked to be grease in it. I've cleaned it out as best I could and refilled it with STP. I have not removed the roller shaft cover of the box. When I'm driving it, other than the excessive play, it seems to be harder to initially turn right from going down the road straight. Of course you get into the overcorrection back left and so on and so on. I know it's an old truck, but it's really undriveable. I guess my question is am I missing something in the adjustment procedure or do I need to proceed to rebuild or replace? As always thanks in advance, Randy

05-16-2018, 10:41 AM	#2
JSeery Member Emeritus Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Wichita KS Posts: 16,132	Re: need help with steering box on '41 truck The external adjustment on the steering box only works well when the adjustment on the shaft with the screw is correct. The shaft is adjusted by changing the shims on the end plate.

05-16-2018, 10:53 AM	#3
19Fordy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Coral Springs FL Posts: 10,950	Re: need help with steering box on '41 truck Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Try adjusting it with front wheels straight and off the ground, just a little.