Hey, i was wondering who is using stock steering in there 55-56 's. I was checking out the front end today on my 56 and surpised how tight it is and was thinking of maybe using it. Box has some play but with a little adjustment, if there is any left, it might be good. Was going to rack it but maybe i can save myself some trouble. I guess i can rack it later if it is no good.
There's nothing wrong with the suspension and steering on these cars, except I recommend a stiffer sway bar.
Still running the stock power steering in my 56, also installed a 1 1/8" sway bar in the front. I would highly recommend the bigger sway bar.
My dad just rebuilt the stock manual steering box in my 55 and it drives great. Up next is the bigger sway bar from Nascar Dave. Can't decide on the 1" or 1 1/8" though.
If you're going with the fad of wide rubber band tires, it will be harder to turn, but normal sized tires are actually pretty pleasant. Make sure the idler arm bushings are tight as well. I've never been unhappy with any of my 55-56 steering systems.
Good manual steering on my '56, it's fine w/225-75R15s on it. Newer vehicles with power steering tends to spoil us sometimes.
I have the stock manual steering in my 56 with stock width bias ply tires and it steers really nice. There's a little effort when standing still but the large steering wheel makes it fairly easy. There's no slop in the wheel but then again there's almost only 31K miles on it.
Converted to disc brakes and much wider tires for more stopping power. With manual steering the car is a wrestling match in parking lots. If you have power steering, you are fine with the stock setup even if you upgrade the tires for more traction.
I just rebuilt my factory steering box with parts from MAC's. Easy to do. Steers great now with little play at all. Factory look and nostalgic. There is no issue with this system.
I have the stock steering in my '56 with dropped spindles, disc brakes, lowering springs and 205R75-15 tires. I HATE the steering at parking lot speeds, but the expense of P/S scared me off. If I keep the car, that is a "must" upgrade.
Well that settles that. I certainly give it a chance. Probably cheaper and easier in the end. I like that alot.
Good to hear. You can always change it up later if you wish, but it's tough to go back once the new stuff is installed.
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