1956 4x4 Build Steering Q's

[nbean1973]

I'm about half way through a build of my '56 3100 4x4.
Details on the truck include:
OEM '56 body & '56 frame
'73 K5 Dana 44 front, '73 K5 GM 12 bolt rear w/Richmond PowerTrax locker NP205, NV4500
388 stroker
Front suspension: '73 K5 leaf springs
Rear suspension is NOS '56 HD leafs.
2" lift in the rear to level the stance of the truck.

I rebuilt both axles, front diff, transfer case, brakes, (front disc, rear drum) and added firewall brake pedal with firewall mounted MC and prop valve.

I need advice with steering mods. Here's why...

PO installed GM 4WD Saginaw mounted exterior on frame and used stock drag link & pitman arm. I have upgraded with Bulletproof tie rod and drag link with their heim joints. PO Saginaw box install was not well done, b/c box is secured to frame rail by 3/16" scab plate welded to frame; only the two upper mounting bolts on Saginaw are through the frame. Lower two Saginaw mounting bolts are attached to scab plate, but are not through the frame. However, PO did hang Saginaw box directly at intersection of front x-member rather than forward or aft of the x-member. My dilemma..

1) Should I remove the Saginaw box and re-mount with a 1/4" scab plate in such a way to have all 4 mounting bolts go through frame? ...3 out of 4 of the mounting bolts through the frame, (like the CPP or Brothers kits)?

2) Should I fab a backing plate to beef up the frame?

3) Rather than keeping the "stock" style steering arm, pitman arm and drag link should I upgrade to crossover steering?

My primary objective is to have a safe truck that steers well and as much as is possible eliminates the negative aspects of the stock steering issues for the straight axle 4x4's. The truck will be used for surf fishing, farm work and occasional camping trips. It will not be wheeled or driven as a rock crawler. Thanks for any constructive advice on the steering mods.

[Dunenutt]

I can't tell how long that tie rod is, but it looks really short. It will bump steer really bad as is. I would move it as far foreward as possible, and have the rod flat at ride height.

Best would be to do crossover steering, but you will need a 2wd box.

[Captainfab]

I've put power steering on a couple '55-'57's, but that was 20+ years ago. I don't remember the details, but I am fairly certain I got all 4 bolts thru the frame. It is a bit challengine since the frames on these early trucks are straight as compared to the '60 and up trucks that have a kickup in the engine compartment. As for the draglink, it doesn't look much shorter, if any, than a stock setup. It sounds like you won't be doing much offroading, so the bump steer may not be an issue for you. I agree that a crossover steering would be better, but the room for one may be a little tight. Does your passenger side knuckle have a flat top?

[nbean1973]

Hey thanks for your reply Captainfab. The passenger side knuckle needs to be milled for x-over steering set up. I am inclined to relocate the Saginaw box forward on the frame and try the OEM steering set up with a longer drag link. (The current drag link is 11" long.) Now I just have to figure out exactly where on the frame I should relocate the Saginaw box. Suggestions?

Originally Posted by Captainfab

I've put power steering on a couple '55-'57's, but that was 20+ years ago. I don't remember the details, but I am fairly certain I got all 4 bolts thru the frame. It is a bit challengine since the frames on these early trucks are straight as compared to the '60 and up trucks that have a kickup in the engine compartment. As for the draglink, it doesn't look much shorter, if any, than a stock setup. It sounds like you won't be doing much offroading, so the bump steer may not be an issue for you. I agree that a crossover steering would be better, but the room for one may be a little tight. Does your passenger side knuckle have a flat top?

[Bo Duke]

If you can't get all 4 mounting holes to go through the frame, box the frame and add a sleeve, something like this. These are from a Jeep Wrangler, but you get the idea.

It looks like cross over steering would be pretty tight going under your oil pan.

[nbean1973]

Hi, Thanks for the suggestions. I'm still not sure which solution I will go with on re-engineering my steering linkage. Please keep ideas coming in...I'm paying careful attention.

Originally Posted by Bo Duke

If you can't get all 4 mounting holes to go through the frame, box the frame and add a sleeve, something like this. These are from a Jeep Wrangler, but you get the idea.

It looks like cross over steering would be pretty tight going under your oil pan.