1953 Ford Steering

[Johnnydidd]

I receintly bought 1953 Ford Victoria with bias tires. The steering is sloppy, when you let up on the gas it tends to surive(???) to the left, can this be taken care of? I have told that a Mustang font would work very well, I would like to keep it stock if I could. Thanks John

[Vic Piano]

Before you swap out the OEM front end, I'd check a few things. First look at the tires. Are they old, out of round, dry rotted, etc. Check the rims, are they bent? Next, check the king pins, tie rod, tie rod ends, etc. Last, check the steering box. After you've checked the front end, pull the drums and look at the brakes. there are a lot of factors that could be causing the problem.

[TJ]

Make sure the steering box bolts that hold the box to the frame are tight.

[George/Maine]

When you say it goes to left ,when you let off on gas.
You don't have power steering, so my guess is your front brakes need some maintenance.

[Johnnydidd]

Update:
King pins and upper bushings worn will be replaced. Brakes not adjusted correctly, one side very lose and the other side adjusted correctly, steering box very loose needs adjusted, back spring bushing and shakles worn out, will replace. I will let you know how this all works out. Thanks everybody for your help. John

[51 MERC-CT]

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Originally Posted by Johnnydidd

Update:
steering box very loose needs adjusted, John

If after adjusting properly (with steering wheel centered ) you feel any binding while moving steering wheel left or right this is an indication that the worm gear has to be replaced.

[41ford1]

It looks like you are on the way to getting the front end sorted out. If you are still not happy with the directional stability try switching to radials. Brake adjustment and front end alignment are critical. I had the left rear brake tighter than the right. It pulled to the left every time the brakes were touched. Replace the worn bushings in the front and you should be good. To quote the guy that lined up my 53 Courier: "Man that rides nice." Heed 51 MercCt's info on the center feel of the steering box. Getting the stock front end back in spec will do wonders. Don't need no stink'n Mustang II in there.

[Johnnydidd]

The 53 front end is done, drives like a dream, very happy with her. Thanks guy for your help. John