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Classic Truck Steering UpgradeWant to Swap in Power Steering, Modify the Front Suspension, or Add a Tilt Steering Column? We've Got Answers From the February, 2009 issue of Custom Classic Trucks By Ed Fortson Photography by Ed Fortson
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 Stock steering-box locations...  Stock steering-box locations vary with the make, year, and model of a classic truck. Some are inside the frame (as in this old Dodge); some are outside. Wherever they are, original boxes, columns, and/or linkages are often in the way of engine swaps, or they arent adaptable to power steering or front-suspension upgrades.  This view from inside the...  This view from inside the cab through the steering-column hole shows that the new engines exhaust manifold dictates angling the steering linkage around it. Firewall-to-engine clearance is tight, too, so the new column has to be stubby.  Borgeson Universal Company...  Borgeson Universal Company immediately popped to mind when we realized a dogleg linkage was necessary. Its best to use as few joints as possible. In this case, that meant angling the linkage toward the framerail and then following the rail to a top-mounted power-steering box.  The best steering-box location...  The best steering-box location depends upon several factors, including the shape of the frame, front suspension mods, and clearance around the engine, accessories, and body. Again, the challenge is to keep the linkage routing as simple and direct as possible. An 86-and-up Toyota Land Cruiser box perched perfectly for this setup.  We reused the 360s original...  We reused the 360s original steering pump, and terrific accessory brackets came with a Vintage Air air-conditioning unit we installed. But there was no bracket kit specific to this old Dodge. It took a lot of trial fab work to line up pulleys, have the belts clear the frame, and allow adjustment. Well make neater, weld-free brackets when we finish and dress up the engine bay.  We heard that the Toyota steering...  We heard that the Toyota steering box should work fine with the Dodge pump. However, one of the Dodges hose fittings didnt mate with the Toy box. Uh-oh. After a few frantic calls, a hydraulic supply house whipped up a custom hose with the right fittings for less than $20.  Shortening and rewiring the...  Shortening and rewiring the Dodges original column was impractical. We chose a new GM-style tilt column from CJs Rods and Machines. CJs Street Rodder column comes in lengths of 29, 31 or 33 inches. We selected the 29-incher after measuring from a comfortable steering wheel position to 1 1/2 inches past the firewall.  CJs Street Rodder column...  CJs Street Rodder column came prewired with a GM-style quick-connect terminal, a hazard switch, a tilt lever, and turn signals. CJs also offers models with a column-mount shift lever and key-in-column. Most columns are available in brushed (shown), primed, or polished finishes for most popular classic trucks.  CJs Rods and Machines...  CJs Rods and Machines offers a variety of wiring connectors, so save a little time and know the make and style of connector you need before calling. In our case, we double-checked with Ron Francis Wire Works to be sure we chose the right connector (CJs style F) for the Advantage Plus wiring system were using.  The new column protruded only...  The new column protruded only slightly into the engine bay, so we mounted its bracket on the inside of the firewall. This also left the engine side of the firewall less cluttered. The universal bracket can be bent to fit most applications. At the dash, the stock brackets worked fine for the new column.  With the steering box and...  With the steering box and the column in place, it was time for careful measurements between the two and a call to Borgeson where experts ask a few questionsspline counts, angles, distancesthen they quickly put together a custom linkage package to fit our specific application. They make the process easy.  The Borgeson parts fit perfectly....  The Borgeson parts fit perfectly. In this view, the Borgeson U-joint is pulled back to show the column-shaft notch for the set screw. For extra safety, theres also a locknut on each set screw. The U-joints needle bearings are prelubed, completely sealed and maintenance-free, according to the company.  Borgeson single U-joints (shown)...  Borgeson single U-joints (shown) are designed to operate at angles of up to 30 degrees. The company also offers double joints for linkage angles between 30 and 60 degrees. When you calculate angles, dont forget to allow clearance for those cool tubular headers you want.  At the steering-box end, the...  At the steering-box end, the rubber weather boot protects two important components: a U-joint and a slip joint. The slip joint allows the linkage to telescope as needed when the frame flexes or the body shifts as the truck moves.  Once the separate shafts are...  Once the separate shafts are attached to the steering box and column, theyre routed along the frame and around the engine to meet in the middle. Borgeson left the slip-jointed shaft a bit long in case our measurements werent perfect. We marked and trimmed the shaft to fit.  Most steering shafts are notched...  Most steering shafts are notched as shown. The linkage should be installed with the notch at 12 oclock and the steering box centered left-to-right (or front-to-back). Proper turn signal cancellation and equal Pitman-arm movement are thus assured.  Borgeson included this trick...  Borgeson included this trick Heim-joint-style support for our three-U-joint installation. In general, two-joint linkages may not need extra support. However, excessive linkage play and imprecise steering often result from too little support.  We cut a hole in the frame...  We cut a hole in the frame for the extra support. The supports height is adjustable so that the shaft can be angled to allow clearance between the dust boot and the frame. The Borgeson components can be painted to prevent rust.  We like the looks and feel...  We like the looks and feel of Grants Elite GT steering wheel, but the billet installation kit came with a bright finish. No problem. We wire-brushed it to match the columns finish.  Heres Grants Elite...  Heres Grants Elite GT wheel in place atop CJs Rods and Machines tilt column. Just for fun, compare the new look to the original. You can breathe new life into an old dinosaur when you find the right missing linkage. There are many indisputably fabulous things about classic trucks, but their Stone Age steering isnt one. Maybe its not so bad if you keep the flathead six and just do a resto job, but what if you want to swap in power steering, modify the front suspension, or add a tilt steering column? What else must you do if you shoehorn in a V-8 and the old column and linkage are in the way? These and other more pesky little problems (opportunities) arise during practically any classic truck buildup. We certainly had to solve a bunch of them when we dropped a chubby Mopar 360 V-8 into a vintage Dodge where a skinny old flathead six used to live. We wanted to modernize the Dodges dinosaur steering anyway, but the engine swap left us no choice. Power steering was on our wish list, too. The best solution seemed to be scrapping the entire original system and starting from scratch. Fortunately, the combo of a trick new tilt column from CJs Rods and Machines and top-quality linkage components from Borgeson Universal made the task relatively painless. Even more important, the new system is safe and reliable.
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Borgeson Universal Co.
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Grant Products
700 Allen Avenue
Glendale
CA
91201
213-849-3171
800-952-6947
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CJ’s Rods and Machines
6024 Bethania Rd.
Pfafftown,
NC
27040
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Ron Francis’ Wire Works
Chester
PA
19013-1430
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1959 Ford F-100
Scott Oshinki rebuilt a 1959 Ford F-100 for his father-in-law Art Carney....
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