1950 Ford Steering
- Thread starter Smitty
- Start date
rotorwrench
Well-known member
The Jamco suspension that I'm familiar with is basically a full update to ball joint A-arms, new coil springs, and a new sway bar set up. The steering is still the original Ford components with center link, idler arm, and outer tie rods with the OEM shoe box type steering gear. The suspension is set up like many modern A-arm set ups and it adjustable the same way. It allows for modern brakes and is a good set up. The steering may be problematic largely depending on condition of all the steering joints and gear box. If all is tight and well adjusted, it should steer well enough. As the stuff wears, then it will have more play in the steering wheel over time.
wga
Well-known member
My shoebox experience is with a 49 wagon, and have rebuilt the steering box, the stock suspension, replaced all the body mounts. Radial tires, 205 75 15 35 PSI.
This steering linkage upgrade: https://shoebox-central.com/1949-1950-1951-ford-steering-linkage-tie-rod-upgrade-kit-new
made an improvement in handling. The idler arm is much stronger than the stock one.
Much less side to side movement on the steering wheel. Might want to look at the camber kit: https://shoebox-central.com/4953camkit-1949-1950-1951-1952-1953-ford-mercury-camber-adjustment-kit
Adds camber and helps with cornering. Also, Performance on Line, has a larger than stock sway bar, that I am installing on my 49. I'm also going to change to the Ford Aerostar springs, progressive spring rate, same wire diameter.
Also, I changed to Bilstein shocks all around...huge difference. CPP also has A arms for the shoebox + brakes, etc.
Currently in the middle of a road trip with the woodie wagon. Despite a sidewall bubble on the Coker tire we discovered the morning of the road trip. 300 miles on the tires.
Overall the car has improved handling, turns well at 63 on the freeway and winding roads. It has more fun factor in the drive.
Let me know if you want info on the shocks.
New modern suspension - Heidts, and maybe Scotts.
This steering linkage upgrade: https://shoebox-central.com/1949-1950-1951-ford-steering-linkage-tie-rod-upgrade-kit-new
made an improvement in handling. The idler arm is much stronger than the stock one.
Much less side to side movement on the steering wheel. Might want to look at the camber kit: https://shoebox-central.com/4953camkit-1949-1950-1951-1952-1953-ford-mercury-camber-adjustment-kit
Adds camber and helps with cornering. Also, Performance on Line, has a larger than stock sway bar, that I am installing on my 49. I'm also going to change to the Ford Aerostar springs, progressive spring rate, same wire diameter.
Also, I changed to Bilstein shocks all around...huge difference. CPP also has A arms for the shoebox + brakes, etc.
Currently in the middle of a road trip with the woodie wagon. Despite a sidewall bubble on the Coker tire we discovered the morning of the road trip. 300 miles on the tires.
Overall the car has improved handling, turns well at 63 on the freeway and winding roads. It has more fun factor in the drive.
Let me know if you want info on the shocks.
New modern suspension - Heidts, and maybe Scotts.