1934 BB steering question

MGG

MGG

Senior Member
My 34 BB dump truck came to me with 8 ply 7.50-20 truck tires and bent front brake actuating rods. I promptly took off the brake rods and straightened them. On the first drive in a sharp turn in either direction the inside edge of the tire would rub on the brake rods so I put a slight bend in them where the tire was rubbing. This solved the brake rod rubbing problem and did not seem to affect the braking, but now in a sharp turn to the left, the inside edge of the tire rubs on the drag link which also had a slight bend in it. Am I not seeing a turn limiting stop adjustment somewhere in the steering system? It is hard for me to believe that Henry let it leave the factory with a bent drag link and bent front brake rods. Thanks
 
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What limits the turn radius on the car is the tall nut on the rear of the lock bolt for the king pins. When the wheel turns far enough the rear of the wheel spindle comes into contact with the top of the nut preventing any more movement. I have seen these lock bolts and nuts installed incorrectly with the nut on the front of the I-beam. On your BB I am not sure? Also check the tire size since a much larger tire can come into contact. Make sure the tire rims are proper.
 
jimTN said:
Sounds like you have some wheels off a later truck that has more of an offset than a 34.
Click to expand...

Does anyone know what size tires came on a BB and what the original wheel offset was? There were many newer Ford trucks in the fleet this one came from, 36s, 37s, 39s, 40s, 41s, and 47s. It is very possible that newer wheels were installed. I am finding some other mixed parts from those later Ford trucks installed on this one.
 
The 32 t0 36 engine and chassis repair manual has a section on page 43-44 that indicates that the standard tire size is 600/20 with an option for 700/20 for heavy duty service. The 700/20 option requires changing the wheel hubs to maintain a correct camber adjustment. I run 650 tires on my BB but if I ever replace tires I will put 600 on the front as side winds seem to make it handle strangely. Also the bigger tires limit tight cornering by fouling with the brake rods.
 
It sounds like I have too big tires and the other recommended changes have probably never been made. My grandfather used the truck for hauling crushed rock for highway oiling projects. Heavy duty for sure. Thanks to all.
 
This is a photo of the drag link on my '34 for your comparison.
 

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