Thread: Will a 56 truck steering work with split wishbones?

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I am building 32 frame with Model A front crossmember, 32 K member and 40 rear crossmember, I will be putting a flathead w/ 3 speed. Question is can I run a 56 ford truck steering gear and pitman arm with split original style wishbones? I know it will work with unsplit bones, but it looks to me like if mounting them on the rails they will interfere with each other. I have not mocked it up as of yet. Has anyone done this?

Originally Posted by Ralph Moore

I am building 32 frame with Model A front crossmember, 32 K member and 40 rear crossmember, I will be putting a flathead w/ 3 speed. Question is can I run a 56 ford truck steering gear and pitman arm with split original style wishbones? I know it will work with unsplit bones, but it looks to me like if mounting them on the rails they will interfere with each other. I have not mocked it up as of yet. Has anyone done this?

Yes, that will work. I am assuming the steering box is from an 1956 F-100 pickup. I have found that by using a longer pitman arm from a Ford one ton truck (fits the F-100 steering arm) and then bending it to clear the split wishbones works very well. Because it is longer than the F-100 ptman arm; after bending the length will be about the same as the original pitman arm. The bending should be done by heating the area for the bend to cherry red and slowly bent to the desired angle. Allow it to cool naturally. Do NOT quench to cool.

Thanks for the info, yes it is an F-100 box, I was going to use a modern 4 bar front end, but now I'm leaning towards a more traditional style Rod. I wish I would have kept all those 42-47 Ford truck parts I got rid of in the 80's.
Ralph

This one is as traditional as they come. Also steers the car like power steering. Have one in my '27 and one waiting to go in my '39 Dodge. Would have put one in my T, but it wouldn't fit.

There are sources for rebuild parts, and I would strongly suggest going through it as the worm gears, etc can be pitted and worn. A rebuild makes all the difference in the world, if it is needed.

Don