Steering box interference

[vegard]

Hi, I am working on a 52 ffpw, and putting a modern v8 in it. The steering shaft and box are in the way of the exhaust manifold, so I'd like to change up the steering, and do power steering at the same time.

Anybody try a power steering box on the outside of the frame rail?
Any other ideas? Maybe crossover steering?

Thanks

Vegard

[Desoto61]

If I remember correctly, someone here tried relocating a power steering box on the forward side of the tire, the military trucks have them out there but the frames are narrower. I'd be worried about tire clearance on the outside.

Crossover steering would be good with the V8, but I've never seen it before. If you go that route keep us posted, it would be interesting.

[vegard]

here is a picture, if this works:


The steering shaft is just about touching the header bolt.

My original plan was to keep the transfer case and axles for the first round of upgrades, but in light of the engine fitment I may look into changing those parts as well. Besides the steering issue, the transmission is about 4" from the transfer case, too close for an intermediate shaft.

Thanks

Vegard

[Frank Irons]

Hi, I am working on a 52 ffpw, and putting a modern v8 in it. The steering shaft and box are in the way of the exhaust manifold, so I'd like to change up the steering, and do power steering at the same time.

Anybody try a power steering box on the outside of the frame rail?
Any other ideas? Maybe crossover steering?

Thanks

Vegard

I used the Saginaw reverse rotation box mounted outside the frame with M37 steering linkage. 1955 C3PW with 440 Dodge engine.

Frank

[vegard]

Frank,
That sounds like it could work!
What size tires are you running and how close do they get? Do you have any pics of your setup?

Thank you

Vegard

[W_A_Watson_II]

Depending on what V-8 you are likly better off changing the exhaust manifold/header than trying to re-engineer the steering box location.

[Frank Irons]

Frank,
That sounds like it could work!
What size tires are you running and how close do they get? Do you have any pics of your setup?

Thank you

Vegard

Tires are 12.5 x 38 x 16.5 TSL Swampers

Frank

[vegard]

Frank,
That is a very elegant solution. Thanks for posting the picture.

Vegard

[Greg Coffin]

Frank, is that a Dana front axle with Power Wagon hubs installed? I've heard it can be done, but never seen one. Very nice job! I think the stock wheels are such an important visual element on these trucks. Nothing else looks quite right.

[Frank Irons]

Greg,

Yes that is a Dana 70 front axle. I made those hubs with the rotor mounting flange machined on instead of welding a ring on . Started with a 190# chunk of steel and whittled it down to about 45#. The rear axle is a Dana 70 and on that I converted a stock PW hub to fit the Dana.

Frank

[moesett]

Frank

Thank you. You have solved a problem that I have been struggling with for days. Using the M-37 steering linkage lets me use all dodge parts in my 4BT conversion, using a 2nd gen dodge bellhousing and NV 4500. Is the bracket that the box is on the factory 72-76 4x4 or is it fabricated?
Thanks again, I am sure many will benefit your genius answer to this problem.

Andy [moesett]

[Frank Irons]

Andy,

That bracket was fabricated, I don't remember why I didn't use the stock one.
I used the stock bracket on my M37.

Frank

[W_A_Watson_II]

Some have found/believe the stock cast iron bracket is weak and build one instead.

[moesett]

Thanks for the info Will, Frank is that the M-37 pitman arm?

Thanks

Andy

[Frank Irons]

Thanks for the info Will, Frank is that the M-37 pitman arm?

Thanks

Andy

No, that is the pitman arm from the W200 the steering gear was in. Had to change the ball size on the end as I recall.

Frank

[moesett]

can't seem to keep it straight above 50..very touchy, my pitman arm is about 6.5 center to center, the slightest move of the wheel over corrects. Any ideas?

Andy