1960 loose steering issues
 

I recently posted after 4 years I was able to start driving my project. I'm now finding that it wanders quite badly going down the street. Before bringing it to an alignment I want to make sure there's no parts that need to be replaced.

Are there any areas more prone than others I should be looking at? To me it seems like the steering box is loose and I say that because you can turn the steering wheel back and forth quite a ways before it actually starts putting pressure on the front Wheels to turn them. When I have it up on the lift I can also move the front tires left and right quite a ways before it attempts to turn the steering column shaft.

*I was going to throw parts at it but I was quite shocked to see what the price of tie rods and associated hearts are for a 1960 c10. Are there compatible tie rods that are a normal price?

Any help with known problem area is to look at first I would appreciate. Want to get the alignment appointment but don't want to waste money if I need parts first.

Thank you

Re: 1960 loose steering issues
 

If the steering box is the original one, you can bet it's worn. If you like manual steering, you can simply send it off to Redhead steering Gears and have it rebuilt. It will be returned smooth as silk and with zero play. Look 'em up online. I used them for my OEM box on a '64 and I was completely pleased. Zero play on a manual box is fantastic.

Re: 1960 loose steering issues
 

Lay under the truck while someone moves the steering wheel back and forth. What's loose?
No one here can see what's going on and listening to guesses gets you no closer to the real solution.

Re: 1960 loose steering issues
 

I understand that I was looking just for a common fault with the original steering system. But I did as instructed and took a short video as can see here.

The only movement I see is the pitman arm.. I also have some video of the steering box in relation to the steering column movement versus the steering shaft connecting to the pitman arm.

I don't know about the steering box but I am thinking I couldn't hurt to change the pitman arm if I can find one readily available. It's supposed to go in Thursday for the alignment.

https://youtu.be/5uN3j-hp65s?si=T7ZR8nTDr9XNErpy

Thank you

Re: 1960 loose steering issues
 

From the video both the pitman arm and box show wear to me. You may be able to adjust the play in the box. I would replace the rag joint as well. Good alignment guy would be able to give better advice.

Re: 1960 loose steering issues
 

Also, since it's been awhile, check to make sure your inner tie rod ends are pointed in the right direction. If that center link is installed the wrong way, it will cause some issues

Re: 1960 loose steering issues
 

I ordered a new pitman and tightening the steering box helped pretty good...

Alignment on Thursday and this should get me by for a while!

Thanks

Re: 1960 loose steering issues
 

Its the worm drive for the steel balls thats worn, adjustments helps but to a point.
Check the cross shaft or lower control shaft u bolts as well, changing to newer thicker bolts is a added safety bonus .
My 63 had original 7/16 u bolts in when i got it, didnt last long when i started driving it more often.