47-55.1 eBay steering column

[mick53]

Originally Posted by Livemeyer

THIS is exactly the info I was looking for. Not just a blanket statement "Buy American" but justification that staying away from the cheaper product poses a safety risk. I didn't say I wouldn't buy the Ididit or Flaming River column; I was looking for specific reasons why I should spend the extra money. I didn't say I believed I deserved a break from more expensive items, I simply don't want to pay more for a product than I need to. It's reasonable to spend less for a comparable product if two manufacturers make exactly the same thing. Your document shows to me exactly why these two items are not the same, especially where safety is concerned. This is why I started this thread, to find some fact-based information about why one product is better than another. Opinions about this stuff carry less weight. People's direct experiences with the product, good or bad, and factual safety information like what you provided were what I was after. So, decision made: I will forgo the new column for now and just buy a mast jacket bearing to repair my original column, then buy a new column this winter when I have the funds.

Here is what I'm doing, and this is just me. 53 3100 3 window. Steering box rebuild cost for parts and machine shop about $100. You can get the ball bearings from McMaster Carr for a couple of bucks. I am installing "EPAS" electric power steering. It's about the size of a pint jar and tucks up under the dash. No pumps, hoses, belts or pulleys. If it fails it's like any other just goes back to manual. It's adjustable gain. I'm putting the gain control in the throttle hole with the throttle knob on it. Total cost about $1500. Using stock steering box and column. I got a steering wheel and turn signal mech off a 57 truck from a junk yard, $20. I had the local welding company shorten and weld the column and shaft 4" because of the dished steering wheel of the 57, $30. I got a new internal switch for the mech, $30. I changed out the turn signal handle for the Dakota Digital cruise control handle. It looks pretty stock. Self canceling, indicator lights, cruise control, stock horn button and power steering. Also an added plus no U joints. I have another 57 wheel at home that I plan on putting a smaller ring on. I went this direction primarily for simplicity. I have way to much going on in there as it is. I also went with electric A/C for the same reason. Plus there is always the chance chicks will dig it. Thank you for your time.

[Livemeyer]

Originally Posted by mick53

Here is what I'm doing, and this is just me. 53 3100 3 window. Steering box rebuild cost for parts and machine shop about $100. You can get the ball bearings from McMaster Carr for a couple of bucks. I am installing "EPAS" electric power steering. It's about the size of a pint jar and tucks up under the dash. No pumps, hoses, belts or pulleys. If it fails it's like any other just goes back to manual. It's adjustable gain. I'm putting the gain control in the throttle hole with the throttle knob on it. Total cost about $1500. Using stock steering box and column. I got a steering wheel and turn signal mech off a 57 truck from a junk yard, $20. I had the local welding company shorten and weld the column and shaft 4" because of the dished steering wheel of the 57, $30. I got a new internal switch for the mech, $30. I changed out the turn signal handle for the Dakota Digital cruise control handle. It looks pretty stock. Self canceling, indicator lights, cruise control, stock horn button and power steering. Also an added plus no U joints. I have another 57 wheel at home that I plan on putting a smaller ring on. I went this direction primarily for simplicity. I have way to much going on in there as it is. I also went with electric A/C for the same reason. Plus there is always the chance chicks will dig it. Thank you for your time.

Very interesting. There's some of that I won't be doing but the electric power steering interests me. I'd love to see a photo of that setup. Like I said earlier I want to do some sort of IFS conversion in the future so I think a standard power steering setup may be what I end up doing. The electric power steering sounds awesome but also very expensive. I'll likely be doing an electric window wiper motor conversion at some point and also the electric air conditioning would be something for me to look into.

[mick53]

Originally Posted by Livemeyer

Very interesting. There's some of that I won't be doing but the electric power steering interests me. I'd love to see a photo of that setup. Like I said earlier I want to do some sort of IFS conversion in the future so I think a standard power steering setup may be what I end up doing. The electric power steering sounds awesome but also very expensive. I'll likely be doing an electric window wiper motor conversion at some point and also the electric air conditioning would be something for me to look into.

Electric A/C is pretty salty. With the remote condenser and fan a little over $2k. Then you have to buy the $600 alt. Also extra battery system if you plan to use it with the engine off. That doesn't count the inside kit, another $900. I started my truck fund 20 years ago and having parts made 2 years ago. It's the journey for me.