Shoebox Central's Steering Upgrade Kit?

L

leon bee

Well-known member
I've bought a few things from them and been well satisfied. On my 50, I got some grease in the kingpins- they seem pretty good. All the steering joints are completely worn out. Looking at their kit the price scared me until I started pricing individual stock type pieces. But I sure wouldn't mind hearing something about it before clicking the mouse. If anyone has knowledge about this I'd sure like to hear it. Thanks a lot!!

Not sure if it's cool to post a link, but I'll see:

http://shoebox-central.com/1949-1950-1951-ford-steering-linkage-tie-rod-upgrade-kit-new
 
Yes, all the components are new including a ball bearing idler arm replacement
I believe it's made by Fatman Fabrications.
It's design is primarily to eliminate or reduce factory built in 'bump steer'
I have the setup on my car and if you are going to rebuild the system this would be the way to go to upgrade at the same time.
 
Have used for the last 2 seasons in Iowa. Also got the larger anti-sway bar.
I'm going to say incrementally better, without getting totally modern.
 
Be sure to carfully check you oil pan. Only "select" years fit the upgraded setup. My pan looks just like whats in the Ford shop manual (no ribs or grooves like in 52 and 53) but the tie rods didn't clear when turning the wheel. Guess my sump is bigger. Its made by Fatman with their name "erased" from the skethcy installtion instructions.
 
I have one on order for my 49 Coupe, always have had good luck dealing with Chris at shoebox. Looking forwards to see how the car does with it.
 
I too have one on my ´50 Convertible. I also did find clearance issue with oil pan , but
nothing major. Biggest problem was that tie rod ends didn't tighten at drag link. The hole was reamed too deep so the nuts bottomed on threads. Easy fix thick washer under nut.
I also strongly recommend that sway bar upgrade , makes huge difference. Original is
actually quite a joke IMHO.
 
I also tried the new setup on my 50 first thing happend grease fittings hit the oil pan on both sides removed fittings then tie rod ends hit on both sides of drain plug had a friend cut the weld and weld it back so it did not hit anymore after that had all of the bump steer I wanted. So I removed it went back to what I started with. Very happy with orginal.My friend said the block of steel that bolted to the frame needed to be wider and taller to let it drop down to clear everything. No help
 
Hmmmm. I have been watching this thread with more than a little interest. I have never experienced any problems with the front suspension on my '51 Ford, so I was hoping to get some insight as to what the problem actually was. After the last post, I am wondering if a complete rebuild of the stock setup might not yield the same results with less clearance problems. Might be cheaper, too.
 
Well, Tubman, I haven't pulled the trigger on it yet. I'm glad for the response. What really got me thinking was when I stopped at my local NAPA and checked on prices for the original type parts. $$$$.
 
You may be right; I haven't priced any of this stuff lately. Have you try Rock Auto or eBay? I was having a heck of a problem finding reasonably priced brake lines for my O/T F150, but I finally ran across a set a a reasonable price. I think some of these outfits price their stuff high for the same reason a dog licks his balls.
 
tubman said:
You may be right; I haven't priced any of this stuff lately. Have you try Rock Auto or eBay? I was having a heck of a problem finding reasonably priced brake lines for my O/T F150, but I finally ran across a set a a reasonable price. I think some of these outfits price their stuff high for the same reason a dog licks his balls.
Click to expand...

Cause they can't make a fist?
 
I am probably wrong and don't remember where I seen the info, but what I gathered was that Ford changed the suspension on the 51 for better handling. Could a person upgrade the 49 and 50 to the 51 suspension, or would it be worth it?
 
5851a said:
I am probably wrong and don't remember where I seen the info, but what I gathered was that Ford changed the suspension on the 51 for better handling. Could a person upgrade the 49 and 50 to the 51 suspension, or would it be worth it?
Click to expand...

Doubt that changing to any '51 suspension would be an upgrade.
 
The Jamco stuff with new ball joint A arms, springs, etc. is the best way to go for an upgrade. The problem is getting them to respond to you when want to order or have a problem. I think they went to the Paul Bradley Business School.
 
I'm gonna let this issue ride while I get the engine paid for. Anybody comes across this later and has more input that'd be good.
 
Boy, I don't know about upgrading to later "shoebox" suspension parts or not. I do know that there were a lot of problems with the earlier cars, and Ford's advertising for 1950 was "Fifty Ways Better for 1950". Some of those improvements might have had to do with steering/suspension. I don't really know; do any of you?
 
Any new news on these steering kits? Has Jamco taken note of the issues and maybe revamped it? I was thinking of getting it for my '49. Will it work with aerostar coils and flipped/dropped uprights?
 
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