[47jailbar]

I’m not only new to Fordbarn, I’m new to forums, boards ext so please bear with me. I don’t know where to post my question so I’m starting here.

I’ve just purchased a 1947 Ford pickup (1/2 ton). I’ve owned a few cars from the 60’s but this is my first vehicle this old. Beyond the pretty paint and fancy wheels it looks mostly stock to me; 24 stud (239?) with 3 spd manual and banjo rearend. It has leaf springs and knee action shocks at all 4 corners.

Here’s my question. The steering was sloppy even for a 76 year old pickup so I had the seller wiggle the steering wheel while I observed. I noticed the gear box was loose at a mounting bolt with cotter pin. Replacing with a tighter bolt improves things greatly but now I notice flexing in the frame rail when the steering wheel is turned. Is this normal? Did I screw up replacing that bolt? Is there another fix?