Build update 2

[Gary Lewis]

I was thinking of the carbed dual air cleaner setup, which I have. Didn't you have one at one point?

Dual snorkel? Yes, I built one. Pretty easy really.

[Ifitaintbroke]

Funny I happen to be doing this at the same time everyone is talking about Jim's steering shaft. Just pulled the steering column to put in the reinforcement plate that I haven't gotten in the mail yet. Figured I'd look at the upper joint on the lower shaft while I was in there. Lo and behold, it is split! I have only today read about this being a problem. Now considering what to do. Jim's shift build looks great, but I'm not a welder. I have a welder, but I haven't learned how to use it yet. This would probably not be a good first project. Funnily enough, I also just happened to pick up a plasma cutter at HF the other day for half off(open box). I'm looking at the Borgeson shaft, but the idea of having basically the same thing for that much cheaper is also very tempting. Oh if only I knew how to weld! And I was at technical college and didn't take it!

[Gary Lewis]

Funny I happen to be doing this at the same time everyone is talking about Jim's steering shaft. Just pulled the steering column to put in the reinforcement plate that I haven't gotten in the mail yet. Figured I'd look at the upper joint on the lower shaft while I was in there. Lo and behold, it is split! I have only today read about this being a problem. Now considering what to do. Jim's shift build looks great, but I'm not a welder. I have a welder, but I haven't learned how to use it yet. This would probably not be a good first project. Funnily enough, I also just happened to pick up a plasma cutter at HF the other day for half off(open box). I'm looking at the Borgeson shaft, but the idea of having basically the same thing for that much cheaper is also very tempting. Oh if only I knew how to weld! And I was at technical college and didn't take it!

I'm not sure a steering shaft is the best first welding project ever. So I would look at one of the 1988 - 91 shafts. Should be a direct replacement, and while it has a rag joint it is a much better one than the Bullnose shafts. E8TZ 3B676-A

But while you are "there" take a look at the bottom bearing of the steering column. It is only plastic, and if there is slop in it this would be the time to replace it with something better, like the DRB one.

And, if you are one of those "while I'm in there" guys, like me, the Blue Top steering box is a wonderful improvement.

[ArdWrknTrk]

Funny I happen to be doing this at the same time everyone is talking about Jim's steering shaft. Just pulled the steering column to put in the reinforcement plate that I haven't gotten in the mail yet. Figured I'd look at the upper joint on the lower shaft while I was in there. Lo and behold, it is split! I have only today read about this being a problem. Now considering what to do. Jim's shift build looks great, but I'm not a welder. I have a welder, but I haven't learned how to use it yet. This would probably not be a good first project. Funnily enough, I also just happened to pick up a plasma cutter at HF the other day for half off(open box). I'm looking at the Borgeson shaft, but the idea of having basically the same thing for that much cheaper is also very tempting. Oh if only I knew how to weld! And I was at technical college and didn't take it!

Believe me, I'm no weldor either.

I have a few including an ancient MIG, an oxy-cetylene setup and a little Horrid Fate Titanium easy flux 125.

Will it break? IDK. But I did my best to make sure I got full penetration and no inclusions.

It's never too late to learn or practice.

Go make yourself a welding cart or some shelving.

Just get out and do it!

[Ifitaintbroke]

I'm not sure a steering shaft is the best first welding project ever. So I would look at one of the 1988 - 91 shafts. Should be a direct replacement, and while it has a rag joint it is a much better one than the Bullnose shafts. E8TZ 3B676-A

But while you are "there" take a look at the bottom bearing of the steering column. It is only plastic, and if there is slop in it this would be the time to replace it with something better, like the DRB one.

And, if you are one of those "while I'm in there" guys, like me, the Blue Top steering box is a wonderful improvement.

I had no idea that was plastic. In fact I had no idea it was there. The steering system is about the only thing I haven't been through and modified on this truck. I'm trying to cap my mods, but this is also an issue of safety. Remember, I'm going to mainly be using this truck to pull a 10,000lb trailer, likely on the interstate, and for long distances. Steering stability is "slightly important" for that. Also looking at the Rancho steering stabilizer. Not necessary, but might help. Also, on another note, my rear tine garden tiller just threw a rod earlier! Just cranked it and was about to start moving it over to the garden when BAM! Then I noticed a large hole in the crankcase. Might be engine shopping at Horrid Fate. Jim, don't do that again. I bout died laughing at that!

[Ifitaintbroke]

I'm not sure a steering shaft is the best first welding project ever. So I would look at one of the 1988 - 91 shafts. Should be a direct replacement, and while it has a rag joint it is a much better one than the Bullnose shafts. E8TZ 3B676-A

But while you are "there" take a look at the bottom bearing of the steering column. It is only plastic, and if there is slop in it this would be the time to replace it with something better, like the DRB one.

And, if you are one of those "while I'm in there" guys, like me, the Blue Top steering box is a wonderful improvement.

Also funny: I just replaced that rag joint and it's brand new. Hasn't even been used yet. You can't make this stuff up. But, if I can do an upgrade I will. It wouldn't be the first time I had to undo previous work to change something.

[ArdWrknTrk]

I had no idea that was plastic. In fact I had no idea it was there. The steering system is about the only thing I haven't been through and modified on this truck. I'm trying to cap my mods, but this is also an issue of safety. Remember, I'm going to mainly be using this truck to pull a 10,000lb trailer, likely on the interstate, and for long distances. Steering stability is "slightly important" for that. Also looking at the Rancho steering stabilizer. Not necessary, but might help. Also, on another note, my rear tine garden tiller just threw a rod earlier! Just cranked it and was about to start moving it over to the garden when BAM! Then I noticed a large hole in the crankcase. Might be engine shopping at Horrid Fate. Jim, don't do that again. I bout died laughing at that!

Predator is a good engine. You won't be disappointed.

[Gary Lewis]

Also funny: I just replaced that rag joint and it's brand new. Hasn't even been used yet. You can't make this stuff up. But, if I can do an upgrade I will. It wouldn't be the first time I had to undo previous work to change something.

Trust me, if your steering box isn't either a Redhead or Blue Top you don't have optimum steering.

Ford's design was to use the cast iron of the box as the bearing for the front of the shaft. Over the years the box wears, and when everybody but those two rebuild the box they just check to see if the size of the bore is within their tolerance. So the box you get isn't as good as new, and may be pretty loose.

Redhead & Blue Top bore out the box and press in a bearing. So now it is TIGHT.

The previous owner of Big Blue spent big bucks for an AGR-213678 steering box that purported to have all new components. And currently costs $422. But the steering has never been all that good in spite of having all new ball joints, tie rods, and a Borgeson lower steering shaft.

Recently I spent $255 for a Blue Top box that transformed the steering. It now steers like a new vehicle, with no slop.

[Ifitaintbroke]

Trust me, if your steering box isn't either a Redhead or Blue Top you don't have optimum steering.

Ford's design was to use the cast iron of the box as the bearing for the front of the shaft. Over the years the box wears, and when everybody but those two rebuild the box they just check to see if the size of the bore is within their tolerance. So the box you get isn't as good as new, and may be pretty loose.

Redhead & Blue Top bore out the box and press in a bearing. So now it is TIGHT.

The previous owner of Big Blue spent big bucks for an AGR-213678 steering box that purported to have all new components. And currently costs $422. But the steering has never been all that good in spite of having all new ball joints, tie rods, and a Borgeson lower steering shaft.

Recently I spent $255 for a Blue Top box that transformed the steering. It now steers like a new vehicle, with no slop.

I'll think about it...

[Ifitaintbroke]

Trust me, if your steering box isn't either a Redhead or Blue Top you don't have optimum steering.

Ford's design was to use the cast iron of the box as the bearing for the front of the shaft. Over the years the box wears, and when everybody but those two rebuild the box they just check to see if the size of the bore is within their tolerance. So the box you get isn't as good as new, and may be pretty loose.

Redhead & Blue Top bore out the box and press in a bearing. So now it is TIGHT.

The previous owner of Big Blue spent big bucks for an AGR-213678 steering box that purported to have all new components. And currently costs $422. But the steering has never been all that good in spite of having all new ball joints, tie rods, and a Borgeson lower steering shaft.

Recently I spent $255 for a Blue Top box that transformed the steering. It now steers like a new vehicle, with no slop.

Looked at the bearing on the column, and it appears to be fine. I'm considering just replacing that boot and being done with it, I've looked at the shaft and I can't see any obvious issues. This stuff is getting expensive. If I do anything it will be the gearbox. It's the most expensive item, but also the only one that can potentially leave me on the side of the road. Anyone know a source for that boot?