Special M35 steering gear project

[rustystud]

Well all the machining is finally done on the steering gear ! It has only taken 5 months ! Now all that time was not spent on my gear alone, but a lot of the research was. I had this idea about using a standard Deuce steering gear in a power steering system. That way there is no special drilling of the frame, or trying to find a Ross steering gear no longer made, or worrying about clearance issues with over-size tires.
The system is not ready yet, but hopefully this summer it will be.
Here is a "sneak" peek of some of the machining done.



Those are "Torrington" bearings installed for the sector shaft to ride on. There is
"Zero" clearance on the shaft ! It took a lot of time to find the right bearings and how to machine it to get there. Once I am done rebuilding it, there will be "Zero" play in the steering gear ! Since the steering gear is a slow turning unit there is no heat build-up to worry about. This unit will be just as good or better then any modern steering gear out there, and a whole lot stronger then stock.

 

[tommys2patrick]

Well you certainly have my interest. Any hints as to power type for the power steering part? I have been following your prep work for the Alaska Adventure. It has inspired me to double down on my truck.

 

[yolner]

Looks great. Can't wait to see the finished product.

 

[rustystud]

Well you certainly have my interest. Any hints as to power type for the power steering part? I have been following your prep work for the Alaska Adventure. It has inspired me to double down on my truck.

I have so much to accomplish this summer to be able to make the trip in 2019. Finish this steering project, perform a complete brake job, replace the "trunnion" grease seals (got damaged) , rebuild the transmission, replace the alternator with a 33Si 100 amp unit, finish painting the bed, and just drive the truck to get all the kinks out.

 

[Prospector GM]

Subscscribed

 

[18operator]

Wow! You have been busy. Another subscriber!

 

[emeralcove]

Rusty Stud, any progress on this project? While my Deuce is still in California I can't do anything but "dream and scheme". I have favored the Ross HF-54 and have collected a pump from a 5 ton and a reservoir that is probably too big but have not got a steering box yet. When I saw this thread I was really intrigued. Using the original box avoids horn button wire issues, steering shaft mods that require welding (which if done properly is a minor concern) and removing additional metal from the upper frame flange at the steering box. I will be running 11R-22.5 wheels and tires so there will be minor differences in stress on the steering components. I do understand being too busy and dreaming like a guy in his 20's and using a 66 year old body to make the dreams happen.

 

[rustystud]

Rusty Stud, any progress on this project? While my Deuce is still in California I can't do anything but "dream and scheme". I have favored the Ross HF-54 and have collected a pump from a 5 ton and a reservoir that is probably too big but have not got a steering box yet. When I saw this thread I was really intrigued. Using the original box avoids horn button wire issues, steering shaft mods that require welding (which if done properly is a minor concern) and removing additional metal from the upper frame flange at the steering box. I will be running 11R-22.5 wheels and tires so there will be minor differences in stress on the steering components. I do understand being too busy and dreaming like a guy in his 20's and using a 66 year old body to make the dreams happen.

I have all the parts to make my system work, but I didn't get my shop built this year. So I need to wait until this spring or summer before I can tear apart the front end to do all the mods. When I was younger I could work out in the rain and cold and it didn't bother me much. Now it just makes me ache all over !

 

[SCM35A2]

Subscribed!

 

[emeralcove]

That's right, you have mentioned your headaches with the building permit process in some of your other posts. I need to put together a waste oil fired space heater for my shop so I can get more done in the winter as well. I look forward to following this project and hopefully use the ideas to add power steering to my truck. Good luck on the permit process.

 

[sue]

We used a new TAS 65 steering gear box from
a snow plow. Got it from “Vanderhaggs” in Kansas
City. Ordered a longer torque arm from a truck
junk yard. Steering “u joints from burglelsons??
a CAT hydraulic pump that bolts up to the air
Compressor. Plasma cut out a “3/8 back up plate.
We have “53 tires and We would not not.change a
thing, feel is perfect. With 12K

 

[sue]

Sorry did not include total cost, it was less than $740

 

[sue]

That does not include the cost of a dozen rose’s
that when I caught my pants on fire while
plasma cutting the backing plate and the the
husband thru water on me and then commence’s
to laugh his a** off. When it happens to him
he’s gonna need a snorkel!!!

 

[rustystud]

That's right, you have mentioned your headaches with the building permit process in some of your other posts. I need to put together a waste oil fired space heater for my shop so I can get more done in the winter as well. I look forward to following this project and hopefully use the ideas to add power steering to my truck. Good luck on the permit process.

At this time I'm trying to go to upper management and see if anything can be done. Right now they want me to "replant" all "original Washington vegetation" on the whole property ! We have 5 acres and most of that is grass. We spent thousands of dollars to have it done and now those "asswipes" want us to wipe it out and put in weeds !!!!!
I mean REALLY ?!?!?!?
Makes me sick that I live in such a "liberal waste land" in what once was a great state. These idiots are so "open minded" their brains have fallen out !!!
Sorry for any "liberals" out there who might take offense to that statement. (not really)
So at this time it is looking like it will be in July of 2020 before the "Great Alaskan Adventure" can happen.
I'll keep you posted.

 

[rustystud]

We used a new TAS 65 steering gear box from
a snow plow. Got it from “Vanderhaggs” in Kansas
City. Ordered a longer torque arm from a truck
junk yard. Steering “u joints from burglelsons??
a CAT hydraulic pump that bolts up to the air
Compressor. Plasma cut out a “3/8 back up plate.
We have “53 tires and We would not not.change a
thing, feel is perfect. With 12K

With my system you will not need to do anything to the original layout of the truck, except add a hydraulic pump (easy) and some work on the steering gear itself. But hey if you like what you have no problems.

 

[emeralcove]

I am grateful Clark County isn't that bad yet. My wife and I left California as well as friends for the same reason. Anyway I am heading off track here, everything I own seems to pull to the right............ There is a casino in Northern Calif on "Liberal Ave." and we always joke about the impossibility of making a right turn on Liberal Ave. Now back the thread topic; well based your post #15 everything I have collected so far will be used for the power steering upgrade.

 

[emeralcove]

any updates on this project?

 

[rustystud]

any updates on this project?

Yes, but I'm not posting them here right now. Might post on YouTube. We'll see.

 

[emeralcove]

My truck is riding north as of today. will arrive at a Wallmart near home tomorrow. about 8 mile drive home after that.

 

[rustystud]

My truck is riding north as of today.View attachment 767678View attachment 767679 will arrive at a Wallmart near home tomorrow. about 8 mile drive home after that.

I will be in your "neck of the woods" this weekend. Going to my brothers grandsons wedding. Yes I'm getting old !