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Discussion Topic:
1951 F-1 Ford Pickup
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Big Red |
05-02-2015 @ 5:05 PM
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Member
Posts: 13
Joined: Aug 2011
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I purchased a 1951 F-1 Ford pickup, and when I bought it, the steering seemed loose. My mechanic said the steering gear was worn, and I ordered a rebuilt unit which he installed. The replacement is no better. When driving on a very flat highway, it holds the track well, but there is play in the steering wheel. When driving on a highway that has been used years, and has ruts in the pavement, the truck will wander when it gets on the high side of one of the ruts. I had the front end aligned, according to the manual. Any suggestions? Big Red
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trjford8 |
05-02-2015 @ 5:24 PM
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Senior
Posts: 4202
Joined: Oct 2009
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Did you replace any other of the steering components besides the steering gear? How old are the tires? Are they radial or bias belted?
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Big Red 51 |
05-04-2015 @ 11:51 AM
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New Member
Posts: 192
Joined: Oct 2009
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Sounds like you have a classic reaction caused by bias ply tires. That's just what bias ply tires do. If you have steering gear play, that can be adjusted if components are ok. Don
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Big Red |
05-07-2015 @ 6:40 AM
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Member
Posts: 13
Joined: Aug 2011
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The truck had radial tires when I bought it, and it had a wander to the steering. I replaced the steering gear, and put 6:oo X 16 bias tires on, and had it aligned. No other steering components were installed. Mechanic said they were ok. It still wanders.
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Big Red |
05-07-2015 @ 6:42 AM
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Member
Posts: 13
Joined: Aug 2011
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I bought it with radial tires, and it had a wander. Put new 6:00X16 bias tires on, had it aligned, and put rebuilt steering gear on, and it still wanders. Thanks
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trjford8 |
05-08-2015 @ 9:57 AM
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Senior
Posts: 4202
Joined: Oct 2009
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I realize your mechanic said that everything was O.K., but a little wear in each component can cause sloppy steering. Also on these old trucks worn spring shackles can cause a lot of steering problems.
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TomO |
05-09-2015 @ 7:19 AM
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Senior
Posts: 7243
Joined: Oct 2009
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To check for worn parts, read my post in the following topic. https://www.earlyfordv8.org/forum/viewmessages.cfm?Forum=18&Topic=8305&keywords=shimmy
Tom
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Big Red |
05-24-2015 @ 7:12 AM
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Member
Posts: 13
Joined: Aug 2011
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Thanks guys - I'll do more exploration. Big Red
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