manuel steering + 13" steering wheel+big wheels ???

[bigpetie]

i just seen the truck i just got has no power steering..i have nib 18" wheels 4 it .. i'm now thinking stock wheels and ww tires.? or would it be all right with the 18s and manuel steering ???

[OARNGESI]

If you have the wheels throw them in and see what you think worst comes to worse add power steering

[volksworld]

how big are your biceps ? the diameter of the wheels is meaningless...what matters is tread width and offset...if the center of the tread is in line with the balljoints, that minimizes steering effort...the further out you put it, and the wider the tread puts more leverage against you as you try to drag the tire across the pavement...especially if the vehicle is standing still....i have no power steering, 15x8 rallys, and a 17 inch steering wheel....i think a 13 in wheel would be a pia with stock rubber

[bigpetie]

thanks for the info guys

[67ChevyRedneck]

I've been driving my 67 for 20 years with no power steering.

They "drive" fine without PS. It's the slow turns and parking lots that get you.

13" steering wheel? No way. You can try it, but put a stock style wheel back on (I think they're 17") and you'll be OK, even with the bigger wheels.

[bigpetie]

Originally Posted by 67ChevyRedneck

I've been driving my 67 for 20 years with no power steering.

They "drive" fine without PS. It's the slow turns and parking lots that get you.

13" steering wheel? No way. You can try it, but put a stock style wheel back on (I think they're 17") and you'll be OK, even with the bigger wheels.

The problem is I'm a big guy 6'4. 350+.. I need the small steering wheel for room

[67ChevyRedneck]

Originally Posted by bigpetie

The problem is I'm a big guy 6'4. 350+.. I need the small steering wheel for room

You might be able to get a 15" wheel on there? That would help too... then there's always tilt columns

...or just add the power steering. I've had a complete set up sitting in my garage for like 6 years now... it WILL go on someday!

[bigpetie]

thanks

[GR8-68]

I have some power steering parts I will make you a good deal on neighbor I am using manual steering in mine

[CaptainMorgan_SOS]

I just put a 13" grant steering wheel up on the wall for a garage decoration. It came in the project truck I just picked up that doesn't have power steering. Drove it 1200 miles to get it home. What a workout! If you are planning on staying without power steering, I would definitely recommend the larger steering wheel. Also, as volksworld said, the wider the tread, the harder it will be able to turn as well.

[weq92f]

I drove 68 manual steering with 275/50 16s and the tiny 3 spoke wheel for years. Granted I was much younger, but if you go manual, you will develop a technique that will minimize your exertion.

The biggest tips I can think of:

1) only attempt to turn the wheel when the truck is moving ( even super slow movement aids the effort ). For example, if you are parked parallel with wheels straight and need to cut them hard to get out, just inch the truck forward and back while you crank the steering over. Over time, you'll start doing this without even thinking about it.

2) be very aware of obstacles that might "grab" the tire/wheel and cause the steering wheel to react violently ( this can break your fingers ), and use caution. A stabilizer would help, but would also create more resistance.

3) constantly monitor your front tire pressure. Keeping this in check will make sure you don't have to push against a low tire.

Hth,

-klb

[TwoFiftyShifter]

I have a 14" wheel, 15x8 rally and 30x9.50 up front. It's not too bad really. It's not any harder than it was with the OEM 17" wheel. I hate how thin it was.

[bigpetie]

Thanks guys I believe I'm going to go with the eight inch wheel with whitewall tires.

[LongBox]

My manual steering 69 has the stock steering wheel, and honestly, it is not hard to turn the wheel. Unless I'm maneuvering in tight quarters, manual steering is just fine. One less thing to go wrong. There should have been an optional "Spinner Knob" for the steering wheel, the one with the bathing beauty picture....