VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Mechanical - Engine, Trans, etc Steering issues, need help

Need help with the steering on a 1934 1.5 ton truck. We had everything apart for a frame up restoration. All back together now. However the steering is not correct. The front wheels turn approximately 25 degrees to the left but only 12 degrees to the right. What’s wrong and how do I go about fixing this? How far should the wheels turn?

Did you center the pitman arm when you installed it on the sector shaft?

Unfortunately I wasn’t present when the body shop put it back together. Could not centering the pitman arm cause this problem? The pitman arm does not look straight up and down. It favors the rear which turns the wheels to the right. So that makes sense as theres not enough movement to the right. How do I fix this problem? Disconnect the pitman and center it/make it vertical? And at the same time center the left/right travel of the steering wheel?

You should connect with an individual who is familiar with the mechanical aspects of a 1934 truck, and can assist you, in person..

I believe your analysis is correct. With the wheels straight ahead and the steering gear centered then connect the pitman arm. I don't know if the pitman arm is keyed or splined but if the alignment is slightly off from going on it may require adjustment of the drag link.

The sector shaft should be splined and on the end of the shaft there should be a line stamped into the shaft. There should also be a matching line stamped into the top of the pitman arm and the two lines should line up to center the pitman arm. The steering wheel should be centered and also the front wells as well when you center the pitman arm. At any rate, read your 1934 shop manual and it should give details on how to center the pitman arm.

I just got in from the garage. I’m all set, everything seems to be aligned back correctly. I just needed some reassurance and verification.

“Junkyard Dog”, thanks for the advice!!! ????

Thanks for the advice !!

NOT ??? Disregard the ????

You are welcome and I'm glad that everything worked out for you.