Inliners International Forums General Discussion Truck Talk '49 Chevy 1/2 ton steering geear box

I have a '49 Chevy 1/2 ton. The steering sucks. I want to keep the 2" drop straight axel but I need a better way to steer.. Has anyone put a later model, non power, steering gearbox in these trucks,47 to early 55? If so please help. I tried rebuilding the old steering box and it didn't help much.
Thanks,Brad

Getting a stock truck to steer well isn't difficult - but it does require paying attention to details.

I have 100% stock front steering components on my 50 GMC with the exception of needle bearing king pins. New spring shackles and everything else properly adjusted (including wheel bearings) with radial tires and proper alignment for radials.

The steering is light and the truck handles well to as fast as the motor will push it (over 90 mph so far) - I am pretty happy with it considering it is all 60+ years old.