Rich:
That could have contributed to the problem, but I think the newer steering
box maybe doesn't have the arc with the pitman arm that the old system did.
I didn't make any adjustments to my kingpin/spindle stops with the "new"
steering box on the outside of the frame rail (I think perhaps the vendor
engineered the replacement pitman arm so you wouldn't be chewing-up tires
that way).
As I said before, the change in turning radius wasn't that significant. I
feel it is an acceptable compromise for having power steering. Thanks for
the comment.
Carl Ham
'56 Chevy TF Stepside
Pontiac, IL
>From: R S <rswarich@yahoo.com>
>To: Carl & Becky Ham <the_hams@hotmail.com>
>Subject: Re: Steering Upgrade
>Date: Wed, 26 Feb 2003 16:19:59 -0800 (PST)
>
>
>Hi Carl,
>Thanks for writing back. One thing I forgot to ask is if there is any
>tire/wheel
>clearance problems after mounting the newer style steering box
>outside the frame, since the original one is inside the frame. Was this
>part of the turning radius problem that you mentioned you had?
>
>Thanks.
>Rich.
> Carl & Becky Ham <the_hams@hotmail.com> wrote:Rick:
>
>The power steering conversion was definately worth the effort. Steering
>effort was reduced significantly and I wanted a newer steering column with
>self-cancelling turn signals, headlight dimmer on the column versus the
>floor, and ignition key in the column. If you want to keep your truck
>looking original, you can still cut the column off the gearbox and install
>a
>new lower bearing (I don't have experience with this but other list member
>do). The only noticeable difference is my turning radius is not quite as
>tight as with the stock unit (not a big deal). I noticed this after the
>conversion because I come down a steep approach from my alley to the street
>and must make a tight left hand turn to avoid hitting the neighbor's car
>(always parked in the same spot across the street). With the original
>steering I barely made it, with the power conversion I cannot. I later
>found out that some of my steering control problems I created myself by
>removing too many/not the right front leaves from the spings to lower the
>front end. I doubt I may ever get IFS handling with a stock front
>suspension, but I'm willing to keep tinkering for another year (maybe
>steering stabilizer and/or a front sway bar) before I'll 'bite the bullet'
>and go to the trouble of installing an IFS.
>
>At the time I did the conversion, a Mustang II IFS was not in the picture
>(too much money). I've seen comments from other list members that the slave
>cylinder kit is O.K. if you are into keeping your truck looking original,
>but remember you have to have a good steering gear box to begin with (you
>mentioned yours is leaking), and you'll still need to come up with the
>power
>steering pump, brackets and etc to power the slave unit.
>
>Only pitfalls from my conversion are already covered in the technical
>article (time spent chasing parts, cutting the steering column several
>times, you get the picture).
>
>Also keep in mind that your stock suspension probably has 6-lug wheels all
>around. When I looked into an IFS this winter, I planned to not only redo
>the front suspension, but rear as well so I would have all four wheels with
>the same bolt pattern. With the help of many list members I compiled almost
>10 pages of information and posted it in the same tech articles area of the
>chevytrucks.org website. I've decided not to spend the money this year and
>really put some road miles on my truck going to cruise-ins and shows to
>help
>me determine if I will spend the money to upgrade to an IFS and newer rear
>end.
>
>Hope this has been helpful, good luck with whatever you decide to do!!
>
>Carl Ham
>'56 Chevy TF Stepside
>Pontiac, IL
>
>
> >From: R S
> >To: the_hams@hotmail.com
> >Subject: Steering Upgrade
> >Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 16:16:26 -0800 (PST)
> >
> >
> >Hi Carl,
> >
> >Read your article about the steering upgrade on your '56 Chevy. Most of
> >the how to articles put out by the aftermarket companies do not say
> >anything about the running around that is required.
> >
> >I have a 58 chevy that has totally stock front suspension right now. The
> >steering box leaks and needs to be repaired/replaced anyway, so I'm
> >thinking about doing the same upgrade you did. Had a couple questions for
> >you if you have time to answer.
> >
> >-How do you like the performance of the steering system after this
>upgrade?
> >
> >-Is there anything you would do differently? If you had to do it over
> >again, would you do the same kind of upgrade, or use the type of kit that
> >has the slave cylinder setup? Or would you use Mustang II type IFS?
> >
> >-I'm trying to stay on a very cheap budget and am thinking about keeping
> >the beam axle and just upgrading the steering and column.
> >
> >-Would appreciate any other comments you can give about how the system
> >operated since you installed it.
> >
> >
> >
> >Thanks,
> >
> >Rich Swarich
> >
> >
> >
> >---------------------------------
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