Hello All, I am working on a 1946 Ford Truck. I picked up a paper copy of a 1942-1948 Service Manual for Ford cars & trucks. I was disappointed to discover that the information for extensive repairs/rebuilds is not included. For instance, I have step by step instructions to remove and install the steering box, but no information on how to rebuild the steering box, or even a good "exploded view" of the parts or components. Same goes for transmission, rear axle internals, etc. Every other shop manual I have found for other vehicles has extensive information on dismantling and rebuilding the individual components. Did I purchase the wrong book? I know that a lot of parts were similar in pre-war Fords, is there more repair information in manuals for previous years? I would be grateful if someone could point me in the right direction for a more cohesive repair manual. Specifically for the steering box and rear axle internals. Thank you
I feel your pain. The service manual has the best info I could obtain, which as you know is lacking detailed info on much of the stuff needed. As far as I know the service manual is it and there isn't much else out there. The steering boxes are fairly easy to rebuild, with the toughest part being removing and replacing the worm on the steering shaft. Nothing really difficult, just have to be a bit creative. Like the steering box, the rear axle is pretty similar to the rest of the banjo's and some info can be found to set them up. You just have to glean as much info as you can find, where ever you can find it. I'm far from being an expert, but I've rebuilt two of these trucks and would be happy to try and answer any questions you may have. Good luck!
Vern Tardel has books on early ford steering and rear axles. https://www.verntardel.com/store/p294/Ford_Steering_-_Service,_Repair_&_Modification_-_Book_#1_.html https://www.verntardel.com/store/p3...tial_-_Service_and_Rebuilding_-_Book_#10.html
I'm doing a 46 also. Never found any specific Ford literature other than that little book. A real early 50s Motor Manual will give you a lot of info. And google all around, places like Van Pelt's have a lot of info.
Vern's book on rebuilding F 1 steering boxes will walk you though it. There are the mods to put it in a model A frame that you don't need or want but the instructions are easy to follow to rebuild it. Get it direct from them as the resellers jack the price up 50% or more Ford Steering - Service, Repair & Modification - Book #1 (verntardel.com)
Thank you all for the help. I found the Vern Tardel book on the Midfifties site like Mike suggested. Thanks 66GMC and Mr48Chev for the direct links. Glad to hear I'm not the only one that was disappointed with the lack of info in the manuals. Thanks Doublepumper for the offer to listen to some of the questions I might have. I will keep that in mind! Nothing beats first hand knowledge! Thanks Leon Bee for suggesting Van Pelt's. I see there is a lot of good info on their site too. I will bookmark it. I will keep you all updated on my progress or with the next set of questions! Thanks again
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