Inliners International Forums General Discussion Drive Train steering

My 1949 chev 3100 wanders a bit while driving, found the steering box packed with grease, is this correct or should it have gear oil like 90 wt?

They often packed/pack them with grease when they leak excessively. Normally they have 90wt in them.
Have someone rock the wheel back and forth gently and look to see if you have slack in the box before the pitman arm moves. You can adjust some of it out but don't tighten the adjuster screw too far.

While you have them doing the wheel wiggle thing check the drag link for play (it's adjustable) and the tie rod for play on each end.
You can adjust some play out by pulling the cotter pin out and screwing the adjuster screw in. Again don't over tighten it.
Then jack the truck up and check for play in the wheel bearings andking pins.
If the front tires are rounded off the truck will wander too.

Thanks Mr48chev

Yes to everything '48 said. Also,Tire pressure really affects my '53 3100 as does tire design. After driving this truck since the early 70s I've run several wheel and tire combos and have the best luck with bias ply tires.